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Saddlebag, navigation device or electric air pump: With the right accessories, cycling is even more fun
Photo: Michael Blann/Getty Images
It doesn't matter whether you commute to work by bike, go on tours or ride a racing bike: With the right accessories, cycling becomes easier, safer or simply more fun.
From our bike accessory tests over the past few months, we have selected eight gift ideas that are sure to go down well with bike enthusiasts.
Stable standing air pump
The Topeak
JoeBlow Sport III
floor pump (here is our test report) creates up to eleven bar with just a few strokes. The narrow, long metal cylinder ensures that little force is required.
It stands stably on a strong foot and the pressure can be easily read on the large manometer.
The hose is rotatable, and a quick release on the valve makes operation easy.
Works with the three common valve types and inflates everything from children's bikes to racing bikes.
Speedometer with navigation
The
Rox 11.1 Evo from Sigma
(here is our test report) is almost as small as a simple bicycle speedometer, but has GPS on board and can be connected to a smartphone.
The bike computer shows distance, time and speed data, but can also record it, send it to the smartphone and automatically transfer it to apps popular with cyclists such as Komoot and Strava.
It also works in the other direction: Routes planned with the apps can be transferred to the small computer.
Although it does not have its own map display, it shows the route on the display and gives turn-by-turn directions.
So the smartphone can stay in the pocket.
The display can also be read in sunshine, the lighting switches on automatically in the dark.
Sigma supplies brackets for the handlebars, and the battery is charged via USB-C.
Tom helps along the way
Tom 18
(here is our test report) is the name of the small multi-tool from SKS.
It accommodates the 18 tools promised in the name in the smallest of spaces and helps with smaller and larger defects on the go.
Allen and Torx keys, screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and even a chain tool are included.
Tom also has a compartment for a chain tool and a tire lever for removing stuck tires.
All of this is built in compactly with a weight of only 188 grams. With the exception of the chain tool, the tools are made of chrome vanadium steel.
SKS supplies a cover.
Pump for the lazy
The electric air pump Xioami Mi Portable Electric Air Pump 1s
(here our test report)
is not only, but especially suitable for bicycle tires .
The device turns on as soon as you pull out the front part of the hose.
It can be attached to all three types of valves that we use (Schrader, Dunlop, Presta).
To inflate, you either use a preset (bicycle, car, motorcycle) or you set the pressure in ten percent increments.
Then all you have to do is press the button and when the target pressure is reached, the pump stops by itself. A small light helps you to find the valve in the dark and can flash the Morse code for SOS in an emergency.
Light with automatic
The
Sigma Aura 100 front light and the Blaze Link rear light
(here is our test report) belong together: the two bike lights with integrated battery can be connected to each other at the push of a button.
If you switch on the front light, the connection activates the rear light at the same time.
The current battery status of the rear light is also displayed on the top of the front light.
Sigma has also integrated an automatic function: if required, both lights can be switched on automatically at dusk.
The front light then gets brighter and brighter as the environment gets darker.
However, the brightness can also be changed manually in four stages.
The rear light also has a brake light function.
Both lights are available in a set including a charging cable and holders for the handlebars and seat post.
hybrid bag
Anyone who wants or has to cover distances partly on foot and partly by bike is usually faced with a choice: either carry the backpack on your back or carry the pannier bag with a strap over your shoulder.
Both are no fun with high weight and long distances.
The solution is provided by the
hybrid bag Vario PS from Ortlieb
(here is our test report), which can be converted from a backpack into a pannier bag.
To do this, you fold a flat front pocket backwards and the previously covered straps of the carrier mount become free - or vice versa.
The bag has a capacity of 26 litres, is well made, as is typical for Ortlieb, and is made in Germany.
Nice articulated lorry
More and more bicycles, especially sporty ones, do not have a luggage rack.
If you still want to take luggage with you for a one or two-day tour, you will be happy about a saddle bag.
The two-piece
Trailsaddle II from Vaude
(here is our test report) holds ten liters of luggage and is made from recycled material.
The sturdy holster is attached to the seat post and saddle rail with two straps each.
The inner bag is light and can be flexibly filled with little or a lot of luggage and pushed into the holster.
Then tighten the straps and the Trailsaddle II sits securely and firmly on the bike. The holster can remain on the bike at night, you only take the inner bag with you to your accommodation.
Rain pants to roll down
The
Rainlegs
(here is our test report) are part rain pants that protect the abdomen, thighs and knees of cyclists in the rain.
Your advantage: They can be rolled up small and are quickly put on.
One strap at the back and two for each leg – and on we go.
The rainlegs sit securely on the thighs and do not sag.
They are available in different sizes and colors and also in a signal color for better visibility.
One variant even consists of material that reflects brightly at night.
The rainlegs are cheap and practical - but do not replace real rain pants on long journeys or in continuous rain!
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