Whether you ride competitively or just for enjoyment, we all seem to love gadgets on our bicycles. Some items offer extra convenience and some a bike rider should not be without. Here are our top 5 bicycling gadgets.



But first, you need to examine how you ride your bicycle. Do you enjoy an easy trip through the neighborhood once in a while, or maybe down to a local store on an errand? Or do you go on trails with your mountain bike for hours? The answer will determine what kind of extras you should get.



1. Bicycle Rack



A rack is a must for anyone who wants to ride in a location a good distance from home. You have to be able to transport your bicycle there without riding it. And it's best to get a rack that can fit more than one bike. You never know when you'll want to go riding with family or friends, or even if going solo, bring along a spare bike just in case. Just make sure you get a bike rack that holds your bicycle securely with the least amount of movement of the wheels or handlebars. And if your rack goes on the top of your car rather than the back, be mindful of the extra height when driving through tunnels or underpasses.



2. Bicycle Computer



This gadget may sound extravagant, but it can be a very useful item. A basic computer can keep track of the elapsed time of the trip, your mileage, your speed, and of course tell you the time. Other computers can record even more data.



3. Clip for a Water Bottle



This comes as a standard on many bicycles today, but if you don't have one, you need to add it. The first time you take a long drink after a hard ride, you'll be happy you added it.



4. Pedal Clips



Clips are very useful for keeping your feel from slipping off the pedals. It may seem that this makes it more difficult to stop, especially to a new bike rider, because you have to take your feet out of the clips before putting them down. But in reality, pedal clips make it easier on your feet.



5. Bicycle Panniers



These are bicycle bags that attach to the bike. They are much better than carrying stuff in a backpack because they leave the rider free to concentrate on the ride instead of worrying about the bag shifting and making the rider unbalanced. You can put all kinds of handy things in them such as your phone, a first aid kit, a tool kit for unforeseen repairs, food, and a jacket (you never know when a storm will come up suddenly). Having all this gear on the bike itself allows the rider to just enjoy the ride.