Trick out your bike
Buying a bike is just the start: Next, you can choose from a seemingly endless array of accessories to add fun and function. Here are items to provide cargo capacity, prevent hand numbness, safely add music to your ride and give the data-hungry a sophisticated tool to take training to new levels.
Roy M. Wallack
Get a good grip
ERGON GP1 handle grips: Handlebar grip with built-in palm platform that reduces cycling’s dreaded “numb fingers.”
Likes: Instant comfort and less fatigue for all riders, casual to high-performance. The flat shelf that extends backward provides a comfy resting place for the heel of the hand. This reduces the wrist hyperextension and palm pressure of traditional round grips, minimizing the risk of crimped nerves and blood vessels. Assembly is a breeze: cut off your old grips, then slide the GP1s on and clamp in place with a single Allen bolt.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $29.95. (877) 57-ERGON; www.ergon-bike.com.
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Lotta junk in the trunk
Topeak MTX BeamRack and Trunk Bag DX: Convenient, easy on-off rack and bag system.
Likes: Simple, efficient, practical, stable way to carry as much as 20 pounds of spare tools, inner tubes, lock, food, jacket, etc. Eight hundred cubic inches. Simple set-up: The 21-inch aluminum rack attaches to your seat post with a single, toll-less quick-release clamp in seconds. The bag then slides into grooves on the rack and locks in place. Stays secure during rides on the roughest mountain bike trails. Extra weight: Bag is 3 lbs.; rack 1 1/2 lbs. Bag includes accordion-style side pockets, carry handle, shoulder strap and elastic straps on top.
Dislikes: None -- if you make sure to cinch the rack’s quick-release clamp tightly. Otherwise, it can sway during hard out-of-the-saddle hill climbs.
Price: Rack, $49.95; bag, $65.95. www.topeak.com.
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All-in-one dream for info geeks
Polar CS600 w/Power: First sub-$1,000 power meter/cycling computer/heart-rate monitor combo.
Likes: It’s the first relatively affordable power meter, a cutting-edge performance tool for serious cyclists and triathletes that measures the actual power you are pumping through the pedals. (Benefits include training you to pedal in an efficient circle -- rather than mashing down -- and helping you determine right-left leg strength and balance and generally improve overall technique and speed.) In contrast to heavier, more-expensive systems that use special hub and cranks to measure power output, the CS600 uses frame-mounted sensors that measure chain tension. Simple, easy set-up. Can be used with any wheel size. Workouts can be uploaded to the cycling computer for review. With heart-rate monitor, altimeter, percentage-grade meter and a variety of cyclometer functions, it leaves nothing out for the dedicated technoscenti.
Dislikes: Power sensor, battery case and chain meter modules, although attached by zip ties and relatively unobtrusive, nonetheless add clutter to your bike. And the Polar software does not work with a Mac.
Price: $699.95. www.polarusa.com.
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Music to your ears
iBikeMount and Slipstreamz Slip: A handlebar mount for an iPod nano and an earpiece holder that keeps you in touch with the outside world.
Likes: Safety and convenience. The iBikeMount puts your Nano on the handlebars, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road (rather than digging through a pocket). The Slipstreamz Slip, a separate device that affixes to your helmet, makes it safer for you to ride with music because it positions the Nano’s ear buds an inch away from your ear, allowing you to hear ambient traffic noise as well. IBike mounts in 30 seconds without tools, and fits on all standard handlebar sizes of handlebars and various exercise machines.
Dislikes: None.
Price: iBike Mount, $29.95. www.ibikemount.com; Slipstreamz Slip, $12.99. (888) 988-2818; www.macfriends.com.
