So you’ve bought your bike of choice — what now? Well, before you hop on that cycling obsession that has taken our island by storm, make sure you’re equipped and ship these essential bicycle accessories from Taobao to Singapore!
Ever since COVID-19 hit the nation, Singaporeans have gotten a little antsy from staying indoors. Naturally, this means finding a hobby outdoors. While some prefer hiking or skating, others have taken to exploring Singapore via the various park connectors and roads around the island on their bicycles. However, not many know that it is a legal requirement to have your rear and front lights, as well as a helmet on if you’re cycling on the road. Based on personal experience, it is also important to have the necessary tools handy for remedying a flat tyre or are intending to do a Tour De Singapour that will take you at least half a day. But don’t worry. We have compiled a list of affordable bicycle accessories from Taobao that will keep you well-prepared for your journey on two wheels — whilst looking fly at the same time. Read on!
Types Of Bicycle Accessories & What To Buy From Taobao
A) Helmets
B) Front / Rear Lights
C) Locks
D) Frame/ Saddle Bags
E) Tools
F) Bells
G) Bottles
H) Pumps
I) Gloves
J) Others
A) Helmets
1. Basic Lightweight Helmet
Why it’s good: For its price, this basic lightweight helmet (weighing 250g) looks very slick and provides sufficient airflow through the top for maximum breathability and includes a reflector at the back of the strap for visibility. Fully adjustable for any head size, this is a great starter helmet for beginner cyclists.
Price: From ¥27.80 (~S$5.90)
Get the helmet here.
2. Helmet With Visor
Why it’s good: Nothing comes close to a 2-in-1 deal when it comes to bike helmets. This one comes with a detachable visor for those hot, sunny days when you don’t want the light getting into your field of vision to distract you from what’s ahead.
Price: From ¥118 (~S$24.80)
Get the helmet here.
B) Front/Rear Lights
3. USB Rechargeable Front Lights With Battery Indicator
Why it’s good: This set of front lights comes with an electronic bell, and goes up to 2000 lumens – that’s good enough to capture anyone’s attention on a trail. It also comes with a battery indicator telling you when it’s time to charge it up, but with an 8-hour run-time and 4 light modes, you’ll have nothing to worry about on your cycling expeditions.
Price: From ¥38 (~S$8)
Get the front lights here.
4. Smart Rear Brake Lights
Why it’s good: Rear lights should be used as warning lights for others behind you, and these smart rear brake lights are the best accessory that can do so. With 6 modes, the lights will sense a sudden decrease in speed and automatically shine at a brighter intensity, much like a car’s brake light. You can mount on your seat post, or on the saddle, and lasts for a maximum of 35 hours on a single charge.
Price: From ¥39 (~S$8.20)
Get the smart rear brake lights here.
C) Bike Locks
5. Portable Cable Lock (Key-type)
Why it’s good: This portable cable lock can be fitted right on your seat post with an adapter, and is reinforced with stainless steel for maximum security and is water-proof. The keyhole is also hidden from plain sight to make it slightly more secure.
Price: From ¥10.80 (~S$2.30)
Get the portable cable lock here.
6. U-Lock
Why it’s good: U-locks are a staple for cyclists as they provide way more security than your standard cable locks. In fact, discerning cyclists know that a cable lock and a U-lock used together can provide the best way to secure your bike. This U-lock is made up of a PVC outer and a steel inner with high tensile strength, and a sturdy lock component that makes stealing your bike an impossibility.
Price: From ¥49 (~S$10.30)
Get the U-Lock here.
D) Frame/Saddle Bags
7. Frame Bag With Phone Holder
Why it’s good: This frame bag doubles up as a phone holder so you can navigate the streets and parks with ease! The holder comes with a sun-shade (trust us, you never know how important it is until you actually need it), and can also be detached from the bag. The bag attaches itself to your bike frame at three points for stability during your ride, holds a variety of tools and gadgets within its two side pockets, and weathers the elements well thanks to its waterproof material.
Price: From ¥69 (~S$14.50)
Get the frame bag here.
8. Sturdy Saddle Bag
Why it’s good: Completely water-proof and tear-resistant, this saddle bag can store everything you need for your ride, from gloves, bike tools, spare tubes, phones, batteries to power-banks, earphones and your keys. The compartment is easily accessible from the side, and features a folding out functionality so nothing drops out when you open it.
Price: From ¥35.50 (~S$7.50)
Get the saddle bag here.
E) Bike Tools
9. 16-in-1 Bike Tool
Why it’s good: You need this, period. Every cyclist should be anticipating problems arising during their ride, and with a bike tool, you will be able to solve saddle problems, pedal problems, and most issues that revolve around the need to tighten nuts and bolts on your bike. Our advice? Don’t scrimp on this.
Price: From ¥9.80 (~S$2.10)
Get the bike tool here.
10. Bike Essentials With Frame Bag
Why it’s good: Good with your hands and know how to fix a flat on the go? You’ll definitely need this bag of goodies to go with your ride. Comes with puncture patches, adhesive glue, tyre levers, a bike pump, a simple wrench tool, and a bike tool for all you need to protect yourself against having to wheel your bike all the way home from miles away.
Price: From ¥11.80 (~S$2.50)
Get the bike essentials bag here.
F) Bike Bell
11. Traditional Bike Bell
Why it’s good: A bike bell can be seen as optional to some purists, but it is definitely a preventive measure that helps you avoid accidents. You can also choose the throwback versions of the bike bell that says “I <3 MY BIKE” for that maximum 90s feel!
Price: From ¥7.20 (~S$1.50)
Get the traditional bike bell here.
12. Lightweight Bike Bell
Why it’s good: This nondescript bike bell is perfect for the space-saving cyclist who doesn’t want too many contraptions on his handlebars. It comes in 4 colours (black, red, gold, blue) and is extremely easy to install.
Price: From ¥14.90 (~S$3.10)
Get the lightweight bike bell here.
G) Bike Bottles
13. Giant Water Bottle
Why it’s good: This Giant-branded water bottle definitely helps you to up your rep on the roads/cycling paths with its hands-free spout operation and ergonomic construction. It comes in 600ml and 750ml variations, and a variety of designs.
Price: From ¥20 (~S$4.20)
Get the Giant water bottle here.
14. Rapha Water Bottle
Why it’s good: Add a pop of colour to your bike with one of these Rapha water bottles! These bottles come in 610ml or 750ml variations, and there are some designs that come with an option for a dust-cap on the spout.
Price: From ¥39 (~S$8.20)
Get the Rapha water bottle here.
H) Bike Pumps
15. GIYO Portable Bike Pump
Why it’s good: This palm-sized bike pump is just the thing you need if you need a quick air pressure check on your journey. It fits right into an average-sized frame bag and provides an on-the-go fix for slightly deflated tyres.
Price: From ¥20 (~S$4.20)
Get the GIYO bike pump here.
16. Xiaomi Mijia Electronic Pump
Why it’s good: This electronic pump is the best pump you’ll ever own. The Xiaomi Mijia Electronic Pump comes with modes to adjust your desired pressure manually, as well as cycle through presets of air pressures for bicycles, motorcycle/car tyres, and basketballs. It also has an in-built light for night conditions! It can get a little loud when pumping, but you can definitely rely on it to give you the right pressure for your tyres before you hit the roads.
Price: From ¥172.80 (~S$36.40)
Get the Xiaomi Mijia electronic pump here.
I) Biking Gloves
17. Breathable Gloves With Friction Padding
Why it’s good: Cyclists are partial to biking gloves for its multi-functional purpose of providing more grip on their handlebars, protecting their palms from calluses and easing the strain on the wrists. These gloves also come with additional sweat-towel material that lets you wipe your beads of perspiration as you traverse the long, tough roads under the sweltering heat.
Price: From ¥20 (~S$4.20)
Get the breathable gloves here.
18. Monton Gloves
Why it’s good: Monton is one of our personal favourite cycling apparel brands, and these gloves offer most of the same functionalities that typical biking gloves have, but Monton makes them fashionable. Touting the same breathable material and protection from harsh elements, these gloves come in 7 designs for you to ride in maximum style.
Price: From ¥89 (~S$18.70)
Get the Monton gloves here.
J) Other Gadgets & Accessories
19. Foldable Basket
Why it’s good: Need more storage beyond your saddle or frame bag? You’ll appreciate a foldable metal-frame basket that will come in handy on your grocery runs. The smallest variation can hold up to 15kg worth of items, and follows a 5-step process of folding into a flat frame whenever you want to save on that bulk.
Price: From ¥17.80 (~S$3.80)
Get the foldable basket here.
20. Photochromic Shades
Why it’s good: You’ll need a pair of shades to protect you from dust or gravel that flies your way during your ride, and nobody needs that distraction. On the sunnier days, these photochromic shades help to filter out the bright rays as it turns a shade darker with sunlight exposure.
Price: From ¥148 (~S$31.20)
Get the photochromic shades here.
Be Prepared For Your Biking Adventures With These Taobao Bicycle Accessories
We bet you’re already itching to get started, but don’t sleep on these affordable deals on Taobao that will equip you with what you need for a smooth ride ahead. Remember, the ill-prepared rider is only prepared to walk the rest of his journey home!
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest dollar on 22 June 2021 SGT 01:30.
