10 Best Mountain Bike Accessories Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Mountain Bike Accessory Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for the best mountain bike accessories but have no idea which ones to choose from the plethora of models available? Fear not, as we’ve done the job for you and looked at loads of mountain bike accessories, comparing their features, design, as well as price. We’ve gathered all that info and picked only the must have mountain bike accessories that should be part of any passionate cyclist’s equipment. Our first recommendation is the Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool + Case. Just like the name says, this is a multi-tool set that comes with 19 gadgets to help you fiddle with your bike. Since it only weighs around 6 ounces, it’s easy to take it with you and make sure you can service your bike if something happens and you’re far away from home. In case you already have a multi-tool and are looking for something to fix flat tires, you might want to take a look at the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Mountain Bike Accessories (Updated Reviews) in 2020

 

 

Are you looking for cheap mountain bike accessories that will help you deal with mechanical failures or make adjustments on the fly but have little time to perform any research? The good news is that you don’t have to read all the mountain bike accessories reviews out there as we’ve done that for you and selected the ones we thought are worth your money.

 

 

1. Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool + Case

 

Crankbrothers is a company that needs no introduction, and its M19 multi-tool set is one beloved by road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. As per its name, this set contains 19 tools that will help you make adjustments and perform minor repairs while on the road.

While this is far from a comprehensive repair tool, it does what it’s supposed to: offer people a chance to fix their bikes while on the fly, and that without having to carry heavy equipment and tools. This set weighs only a bit over 6 ounces so you won’t even feel it when having it on you while riding.

The set includes hex wrenches ranging from 2 to 8mm, an 8mm open wrench, as well as 2 Phillips and 1 flat screwdriver. The set also includes T10 and T25 Torx, as well as a chain tool for 8-10 speed chains and a spoke wrench.

 

Pros

You get hex wrenches from 2 to 8mm for just about any screws on your bike, besides the brake rotor ones where you can use the T25 Torx. There’s also a T10 Torx included.

There are two Philipps screwdrivers and a flat one for derailleur adjustments and fiddling with other components.

The chain tool that’s included is handy in case you break the chain, especially if you don’t have a power link.

The spoke wrench is also useful if you manage to bend the rim and need to true it, or you need to replace one or more spokes (that’s in case you’re actually carrying spare spokes).

You also get a case to keep dirt and water out of the multi-tool.

 

Cons

The metal alloy used for the tools isn’t corrosion-resistant, so if you don’t keep the unit away from rain and humidity, there’s a high chance that it will develop rust.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($23.95)

 

 

 

2. Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit

 

Perhaps one of the things any cyclist dreads is getting a flat tire and being far away from home or any service shop that could offer assistance. The good news is that, unless you’re too comfortable to take any tools with you (yes, ultra-light road cyclists, we’re looking at you), you can get a puncture repair tool such as this one from Vibrelli.

This is an affordable kit that contains a bike pump as well as several glueless patches so you can fix any flat tire whether you’re on the trail or riding the tarmac, miles away from the city. The pump is durable and it comes with a telescopic design that allows you to pump efficiently up to 120 PSI.

The pump fits both Shrader and Presta valves and you don’t have to switch the valves. You also get a ball needle valve and a mounting bracket to attach it to the bike.

 

Pros

The pump has a sturdy construction, with an aluminum casing that ensures long-lasting use as well as resistance to corrosion.

The pump is telescopic so you will be able to inflate your tires quickly without tiring.

The clever design means you don’t have to switch valves to inflate tires, no matter if they’re Presta or Shrader types. There’s also a ball needle included to inflate your football/basketball/any other ball.

You get several glueless patches to fix any punctures and also some sandpaper to make sure they stick properly.

The model also comes with a mounting bracket so you can mount the pump on your bike’s frame and make sure you don’t get caught off-guard by a flat tire anymore.

 

Cons

While this pump is claimed to be able to pump up to 120 PSI, it might actually be quite hard to reach that tire pressure without some brute force, and people with weak hands might have trouble inflating to maximum pressure.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($21.98)

 

 

 

3. ROCK BROS Waterproof Bicycle Phone Mount

 

Being able to access your phone at any time while riding is great, but you need a solid phone mount to be able to carry it safely on your bike. This model from ROCK BROS does just that. It is a bike bag that you mount on the top tube, and the best part is that the phone is inserted inside of the top part, so it’s safe from the rain and dust.

The bag is quite large so besides your phone, it can also hold other things such as multi-tools, tire patches, gloves, sunglasses, and whatever else you’d need to have a nice ride. Mounting the bag is extra easy, as you only have to adjust and tighten the three velcro straps on the top tube, bottom tube, and head tube and you’re all set.

The unit comes with a TPU film which is sensitive to the touch so you can use your phone anytime while on the bike.

 

Pros

The material the bag is made of is quite sturdy. It is also very easy to clean, as you only need a damp cloth to wipe dust and dirt off it.

The bag can fit any mobile phone with a display up to 6.5 inches, which pretty much qualifies most models on the market.

The bag is large enough to allow you to store other essentials such as spare batteries, mini repair kits, energy bars, your keys, wallet, and others you might need.

The case of the bag is quite hard so it won’t deform or shake too much even on bumpy roads.

The thin TPU film allows you to use your phone without having to take it out.

 

Cons

The zippers might get stuck if you overuse them, and the top part of the bag isn’t exactly waterproof, so you might want to protect your phone and other valuables by putting them somewhere else in case it rains.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($18.99)

 

 

 

4. Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror Stainless Steel Rearview

 

Riding a bike in traffic can be quite dangerous, and that’s why getting a rearview mirror such as this one from Hafny is always a good idea. This model is compatible with all sorts of bikes, whether they are road types or mountain bikes. The frame is durable and resistant to impact, and it can also be folded.

The joint allows you to rotate the mirror at 360 degrees which means you can properly mount and adjust it on flat and raised handlebars but also drop bars. It also allows you to select the adequate viewing angle so you can see traffic coming from behind and make safety maneuvers when needed.

The mirror itself isn’t made of glass, but of polished stainless steel which eliminates the risk of injury from shards while also making it resistant to damage. It is also fully recyclable so a good choice for environmentally conscious people.

 

Pros

This model has a solid construction that’s resistant to shocks and bumps so you can use it on rugged terrain just as well as on tarmac.

The flexible joint rotates at 360 degrees which allows you to mount it on a variety of handlebars but you can also adjust the angle to get an adequate view of incoming traffic.

The mirror is made of stainless steel so there’s no risk of getting cuts from shards in case of a crash, plus this material is recyclable.

It can be mounted on handlebars with a diameter between 17 and 21 mm and it works both on the left and the right side.

 

Cons

The field of view is quite narrow and the viewing angle might not be the greatest, depending on the type of handlebars you mount it on.

The views might not be as clear as those on glass mirrors, but then again you won’t have to deal with broken shards in case of an accident.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($14.99)

 

 

 

5. Bright Eyes Waterproof 1600 Lumen Rechargeable Bike Headlight

 

This model from Bright Eyes comes with Cree T6 LED technology which enables it to emit powerful light beams up to 1600 lumens. That should be more than enough for riding most roads at night. The light is waterproof so you can use it in inclement weather too.

The light comes with a rechargeable battery pack with a capacity of 6400 mAh which should provide enough power for about 4 hours on the maximum setting, 6 hours on the medium one, and up to 16 hours if you keep the headlight on low. There’s also a free red tail light included in the package, with multiple settings, so you can be seen when riding in the dark.

The manufacturer included an extension cable and a charger to make sure you can keep it charged every time. You get several velcro straps and O-rings to properly attach the lights and battery pack to your bike, but there’s also a headlamp harness that you can use.

 

Pros

With this lamp, you can light the roads at night with a power up to 1600 lumens, which is brighter than most other models. You also get 5 modes to play with: low, medium, and high for continuous light, and slow and fast for strobe light.

The 6400mAh external battery pack offers enough ‘juice’ to keep your light powered for many hours, especially if you mostly use the medium or low setting.

With the headlight, you also get an extra diffuser if you want a wider light beam, but also a headlamp harness so you can use it while hiking, camping, etc.

Both lights have a sturdy construction and are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about riding in the rain.

 

Cons

The external battery pack is quite heavy compared to the batteries of many other models, even though the light output is surely more powerful.

The velcro straps and O-rings used to mount the lights and battery are quite sloppy.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.97)

 

 

 

6. BIKEHAND 17 Piece Bike Bicycle Repair Tool Kit

 

If you’re planning to service your bike on your own, but you don’t have the tools, then the repair kit from Bikehand is just what you need. It comes with 17 pieces that should allow you to perform most general repairs and help you upgrade components on the bike without having to spend money on professional services.

You get a torque wrench to make sure you tighten all the components and screws properly. The chain rivet extractor is great for adjusting the chain length and fixing broken chains.

The chainring nut wrench, pedal wrench, freewheel turner, bottom bracket wrench, lockring removal, and similar tools will enable you to remove transmission components as well as others for cleaning or for upgrades.

You also get an 8mm hex key wrench, a 5mm Phillips screwdriver, a spoke wrench, and a few other useful tools. All these come in a hard case meant to protect them from damage and keep them organized.

 

Pros

This kit gives you most tools you’d need to perform general repairs or upgrades on your bike, thus saving money you’d spend on professional services.

You get wrenches to remove the chainrings, sprockets, bottom brackets, as well as a chain rivet extractor for chain length adjustments and broken chain fixes on the road.

The torque wrench will help you tighten all components properly without risking over-tightening and doing damage or not tightening enough and risking problems further ahead.

You also get 2 hub cone spanners from 13mm to 16mm to service your hubs and make sure they’re properly cleaned and greased.

 

Cons

Some tools aren’t of the highest quality and you might risk damaging them or the components if you aren’t careful and exert too much force, especially when removing/tightening.

The finish of some tools leaves a bit to be desired, but then again, this is a dirt-cheap tool kit.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($69.9)

 

 

 

7. WD-40 Bike All Conditions Lube Bike Wash Degreaser

 

There are probably few people on Earth who have never heard of WD-40. This universal degreaser/water displacer/good-for-everything spray has helped many remove rusty stuck parts and gotten them out of sticky situations.

However, this is not the universal spray but a special one that contains PTFE and that’s made for bike chains. The universal one is good for all sorts of repair jobs, but it’s definitely not something you want to put on your bike chain, as it is a real dust magnet.

Fortunately, this one is specially designed to penetrate deep into the chain parts and help provide proper lubrication and decrease wear on the drivetrain components. This product will help you with bike maintenance so you get the performance and safety you need whenever riding your beloved bike.

The recipient comes with a precision straw applicator to ensure you only spray where it’s needed and it is also very easy to apply.

 

Pros

This thing is easy to apply and it will help smooth gear transitions and offer protection for your bike chain.

Thanks to the precision straw applicator, you can now avoid overspraying all over your bike and make sure you only apply the lube where it is needed.

While the formula is a well-kept secret, what’s no secret is that this spray will help you keep your chain in top shape, reduce friction, smooth shifting, and also prolong the life of all your drivetrain components.

By using this special spray, you can now ensure improved performance so you can crank up the gears and not worry about dust or grime sticking to the chain.

 

Cons

While this product is great for bike chain maintenance, some people might be fooled into thinking that it is the universal degreaser/rust remover, although it clearly states on the recipient that this is not the case.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($8.84)

 

 

 

8. BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag

 

Whether you’re riding on thick forest trails or on country roads, having a few tools with you is never a bad idea, which is why this saddle bag from BV is a great addition to your bike. It’s quite small and should be able to fit under the saddle of any kind of bike.

In fact, there are 4 sizes you can choose from to ensure a proper fit and that you can carry all your essentials. Sizes range from extra-small to large so you can pick the one that’s suited to your needs. The bag is made of impact-resistant mesh that should last for a long time. The long zipper ensures easy access to all the things stored inside.

Inside, you’ll find that you have enough space to store mini-tools, a spare tube, puncture kit, keys, wallet, and other things you might need during your ride. The 3M Scotchlite reflective trim makes you more visible when riding in low light.

 

Pros

The bag comes with a sturdy construction that uses strong mesh for the exterior. There’s also a long zipper that provides easy access inside.

You can order from 4 sizes – extra-small, small, medium, and large – so you can get the one that fits all the items you need easily.

This model is also compatible with a variety of tail lights so you can easily mount one to increase your visibility on the road.

The interior allows you to store and organize all sorts of things, from mini-tool kits, puncture kits, keys, wallet, energy bars, and anything else you might deem necessary for a ride.

 

Cons

The zipper can become quite difficult to operate after a while, and you might need to use both hands to open it.

The attachment system might not be the greatest so the bag could move more than you’d want when riding on bumpy roads.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.99)

 

 

 

9. Via Velo Bike U Lock with Strong Cable

 

Riding your bike through the city can be great, especially when you can avoid crowded public transportation, being stuck in traffic, etc. But leaving your bike unsupervised will almost always ensure that it gets stolen. That’s why you need a trusty bike lock such as this one from Via Velo. It is a U-lock which is 15mm thick, so it’s quite tough for thieves to cut through it fast.

This lock is resistant to pulling and drilling and it comes with a heat-hardened steel shackle that is protected from the elements by a rubber case, which should also protect your bikes from scratches. Thanks to the double-bar locking mechanism, this unit is boasted to offer twice the protection against jacking and prying compared to regular locks.

There’s also a woven steel cable that’s 3ft 11in long which allows you to secure the wheels as well and make sure no one can get away with them. You also get 3 specialized keys for easy locking-unlocking.

 

Pros

The actual U-lock is made of heat-hardened steel which makes it very strong and resistant against prying, jacking, and drilling.

The steel bars are protected by a rubber casing to avoid moisture from affecting the metal and also to protect your bike from scratches. The total diameter is 15mm.

You also get a woven steel cable that measures 3 feet 11 inches which should allow you to secure your wheels and make sure a thief isn’t able to remove them and run away.

In the package, you will find 3 specialized keys so you can properly use this lock and also have the peace of mind of owning spares in case you lose one.

 

Cons

The interior mechanism isn’t precise to the millimeter and in some cases, especially if left for prolonged periods in the rain, you might have trouble locking/unlocking it. Servicing it properly and lubing it might help prevent this.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.96)

 

 

 

10. UShake Bicycle Aluminum Water Bottle Holder

 

Whenever you’re riding the bike, no matter if it’s just a few hours through the city or a one- or multiple-day trip, it’s important to stay hydrated. This is where these water bottle holders can come in handy. The bottle cages are made of 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum which means that they are lightweight but also quite strong.

Each holder weighs about 2.1 ounces and requires 2 screws to mount. You get 4 screws and 4 washers for the installation. However, you should have pre-drilled holes in the frame in order to mount them, and using the washers is recommended as these can ensure a tight fit.

These are quite large so you could fit recipients of up to 26 oz in capacity which should cover most bike bottles on the market. With two of them on your bike, you should have enough for a few hours of riding in the summer.

 

Pros

The holders are made of 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum so they’re quite strong for their weight and they are also resistant to corrosion.

You get two holders that allow you to place bottles up to 26-oz capacity, which should suffice for most rides lasting for a few hours.

These can easily be mounted on a bike frame that has pre-drilled holes. You get 4 M5 screws and 4 washers to ensure that they are tightened properly.

These holders weigh just 2.1 oz per piece and they allow you to take plenty of water with you and make sure you have enough to stay hydrated.

 

Cons

While the arms of the holders can be adjusted by bending them, doing so for a long time might cause the welds to break.

If you use a water bottle that’s much smaller than the maximum and ride over bumps, there’s a chance that it might fly off.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($11.99)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Finding cool mountain bike accessories that also fit your needs might be a bit tough sometimes, especially with so many models flooding the market. There are also many types of tools and accessories and picking the right ones implies that you know a thing or two about bikes.

In case you don’t and are looking for some affordable mountain bike accessories, then you might want to read this buying guide below.

Mini-tool and repair tool kits

Whether we’re talking about men’s mountain bike accessories or those for women, some of the most important ones are universal, and in the opinion of many, these are the repair tools. Why? Because, first of all, you might have a malfunction while on a day-ride and be far away from help, and then, you might want to be able to perform your own repairs, at least the basic ones.

By doing so, you won’t have to spend loads of money in a bike shop for some fixes you could have easily performed yourself.

Now, there are the mini-tools and the regular repair tool kits. The former imply small and lightweight tools that you can carry in your pocket or bike bag. These are meant to help you make small adjustments and repairs when you’re far away from home.

They’re easy to carry and they usually have most hex keys from 2 to 8mm, Torx for disc brake rotors, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a chain rivet removal tool for fixing a broken chain, and perhaps even a spoke wrench for bent rims or broken spokes. Depending on the specific model, you might find other useful tools included.

For serious repairs that you can do at home, you should get a proper repair tool kit. This should include hub cone spanners from 13 to 16-17mm, a bottom bracket wrench, as well as wrenches and nut removal tools for chainrings and sprockets. You’ll also need hex keys, Torx keys, pedal wrenches, large screwdrivers, and a few other tools.

Besides these, you’d also need some lubricants and degreasers, such as specialized WD-40 products, bike chain oils, etc.

 

Pumps and puncture repair kits

Even if many would not think of puncture repair kits when talking about women’s mountain bike accessories, the truth is that flats don’t discriminate against anyone, so every rider should always have a pump and a puncture repair kit on oneself.

This doesn’t just have to apply for day-long rides outside the city, but city commuting or short rides as well. The pump should be compact and light enough that it doesn’t add much weight and be compatible with Shrader and Presta valves.

As for the puncture kit, this should include patches, whether they’re glueless or normal ones, as well as a rubber adhesive. You’d also need a piece of sandpaper, for preparing the affected area for gluing the patches on.

 

Lights and phone mounts

Other mountain bike handlebar accessories you might not want to ignore are lights. While these should be quite obvious, there are many riders who claim they only ride during the daytime so they do not need any lights. The truth is that all cyclists should have some basic headlights and tail lights.

These would ensure that at least the riders are visible to other traffic participants, and especially cars. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to actually get some powerful lights, especially if you tend to ride after dark.

Bags, bottle holders, and other accessories

Whether we’re talking about trek mountain bike accessories or regular ones, you may also want to get one or two bags to carry your phone, tools, repair kits, other accessories, and snacks. Bottle holders would be nice to ensure you stay hydrated.

There’s not just one mountain bike accessories review out there praising rearview mirrors, so you might also want to get one of those to see incoming traffic and be safe on the road. At least one bike lock, if not more, would also be essential if you’re planning to leave your bike unsupervised just about anywhere.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What are the most important mountain bike accessories that I should get?

There are loads of accessories on the market, but the most important ones are tools, repair kits, bags, lights, locks, and mobile phone holders, in no particular order. You first need to get at least one mini-tool that has a few hex keys and screwdrivers to allow you to re-tighten components or make small adjustments when you’re away from home.

Among other things, you’d also need a chain rivet extractor, which is very important if your bike’s chain breaks. A pump and puncture repair kit is a must. A proper set of tools would also be required if you want to perform repairs yourself and upgrade components without paying ridiculous amounts of money in a bike shop.

The lights are an obvious choice for bike safety and low-light riding, and so are bike locks, unless you want to buy a new bike every week. Bike bags are useful to carry all sorts of useful stuff, and so are phone mounts.

Q: Is getting bike tools and being able to repair my own bike really that important?

Well, to answer this question, you should ask yourself two questions: One – ‘would I want to have a flat tire or another malfunction and be unable to ride the bike, miles from home or any bike shop?’, and Two: ‘Would I be happy spending dozens of dollars for some basic upgrades in a bike shop, possibly including paying ten bucks to have a bottom bracket nut removed?’.

If the answer to any or both of these questions is no, then the answer to the main question is ‘yes, it is important to have bike tools and know how to use them’. Most basic tools are quite cheap, unless you’re after professional-grade items, and they allow you to do things from repairing a broken part to upgrading to a new one.

Besides saving money you’d otherwise spend on professional services, you’d also be increasing your chances of being able to handle all but the most serious malfunctions so you wouldn’t be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

 

Q: How do I use bike tools and install components and accessories on my bike?

While no one is born a bike mechanic, it’s true that some people really do tend to learn quickly and become really good at fiddling with their bikes. It’s also true that the majority of people riding bikes (not regular bike riders) barely know how to fix a flat tire or make basic adjustments to brake systems, shifters, etc.

The thing is, getting a few tools and learning a few tricks is not hard even for the not-so-talented cyclists out there. The purchase part is easy as there are countless products from all brands and most are affordable. The learning part is also quite easy, as there are many biking communities, not to mention specialized websites with plenty of guides.

And then there’s Youtube, with loads and loads of videos and tutorials that should be able to teach some basic bike repair stuff to even the most untalented-mechanically-wise people out there – all that’s needed is a bit of willpower and some tools.