By declaring June 3 to be World Bicycle Day, the United Nations hoped to encourage people across the world to ditch four wheels for two. This day celebrates the sustainability, affordability and reliability of bicycles — not to mention how environmentally-friendly they are — and it is also a good excuse for travelers to add a bicycle adventure to their itineraries.
The most devout cyclists aren’t afraid to pack their bicycles and ship them halfway around the world for the sake of comfort and familiarity on a new trail or course. However, most of us are fine just renting a beach cruiser or mountain bike to cut down on luggage. Still, there are cycling necessities that will make the adventures safe and successful, and they will fit easily into your luggage.
While a flexible silicon phone mount might be the ultimate space saver in your luggage, you don't want to risk a bump and a snap sending your phone flying. The Roam Universal Premium Bike Phone Mount is durable enough for use on motorcycles, which means extra peace of mind for cyclists who need their smart devices for GPS, music and general safety.
Kill two birds with one stone by eliminating a backpack or hip bag, and combining your basic storage needs with a handlebar phone mount. Using three Velcro straps, the Wallfire Bike Phone Mount Bag fits handlebars with ease and displays your device's screen through a waterproof shield. The storage area can fit essentials like a charger, wallet and keys, so long as you're not a medieval dungeon master.
If your preference is to keep your phone out of view while you're riding, it will tuck nicely into the Selbst Waterproof Tail Bag, in addition to your keys, a spare tube, bike tool or anything else that's small and essential. Installation is quick and simple, and the material is durable and includes a reflective strip.
The lightweight Spotti Cycling Jersey is comfortable enough to wear on and off the bicycle, so you won't have to worry about bringing a change of clothes on a ride to the beach. As an added bonus, there are three pockets on the back of the shirt, and they're large enough to fit snacks, your phone and wallet and repair items, like a tube and pump.
The drawback of traditional bike shorts is that they're not exactly the perfect style for any occasion. Cycorld's Men's Baggy Biking Shorts are designed not only to provide comfort in a variety of athletic activities, but they also double as traditional shorts that will attract less attention. Deep pockets with waterproof zippers will keep phones and wallets safe as well. Women's biking shorts are also available.
Available in packs of two or four, the Lighting Ever LED Bike Lights are perfect for everything from long-distance bike rides to walking your dogs. Compact and lightweight, they take up very little space in your luggage, and they conveniently clip on to bags, pockets and bikes.
Safety first! That's the theme here. Especially when you're on unfamiliar roads or trails and riding at night. The HiVisible Reflective Vest is lightweight enough that you won't even feel it, and it comes with four reflective arm bands for ultimate security.
Gloves are necessary bike gear for several reasons, especially when you're in a tropical location and need to keep your hands dry. The Nice Win Padded Cycling Gloves are constructed from suede and spandex, and they'll keep your palms comfortable on bumpy roads.
You know your bicycle like the back of your hand. But a bike from a rental shop? You're going to want to bring a bike tool with you, and the Crank Brothers Bike Tool is compact and still features 17 different tools that will help with everything from adjusting the handlebars to repairing the disc brake rotors.
Lightweight and durable, the Miracol Hydration Backpack has adjustable shoulder and chest straps that allow riders to find comfort before heading out on a trail. This bag can carry two-liters of water and keep it cold for up to four hours.
