7 everyday items that are ideal for cycling

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a novice commuter, these tips will save you money

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By Nick Clark

Published: May 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Products designed specifically for cycling can command higher prices than their day-to-day counterparts.

In some instances, cycling-specific products can make riding and maintaining a bike easier and more enjoyable. But there are plenty of more affordable items that perform the same or similar functions.

Here, we share our favourite everyday goods that can add to your cycling experience without breaking the bank and help you save money in the process.

There are products designed for cleaning almost every part of your bike, from dedicated degreasers to foaming frame sprays. But not all are necessary to keep your bike looking and riding its best.

While the best bike cleaners may contain compounds that are more effective at removing grime from your pedal pony, household cleaners such as washing-up liquid can achieve a similar result for a lot less money.

Some of us at BikeRadar forgo premium bike cleaners, instead opting for whatever's next to the kitchen sink.

If you are especially keen on keeping your bike's paintjob in tip-top condition, you may be wary of the salt content of some detergents. While this may be a no-go for some, we find a final rinse removes any trace of the washing-up liquid.

However, we do advise you invest in a drivetrain degreaser. Washing-up liquid can never really cut through the build-up of oil and grime when cleaning a bike chain.

On a similar theme to washing-up liquid, old brushes can be repurposed for cleaning your bike, meaning you don't have to splash out on specific cleaning products.

While bike brushes are shaped to scrub even the most out-of-reach parts of your bike's drivetrain, they do come at a cost.

Many riders already know a toothbrush is as effective at cleaning the teeth on your cassette as the ones in your mouth, but there are plenty of other household gems that can assist in your bike cleaning.

Larger kitchen brushes do a good job of dislodging stubborn chunks of dried mud from your bike, while old cloths can be pulled through cassettes and derailleur cages.

The beauty of repurposing old brushes and rags is they’re already past their best and you’re giving them a second life before they’re given up completely. You don't have to worry about the condition you leave them in, either.

The best energy bars for cycling offer high levels of glucose and can be consumed quickly while out on the bike, giving you the fuel to ride further and faster.

If you’re training or racing, the right nutrition is paramount to your success, but that's not to say you can't save some cash along the way.

Breakfast bars and cereal bars can offer the same convenience and calorific density as some of the best energy bars and usually cost a lot less.

Making your own energy bars is even more cost-effective, and often tastier, too.

Heat shrink wrap is more often associated with electricians than bike mechanics, but both revel in its cable-covering magic.

The plastic contracts when heated. As a result, it can help clean up your cockpit and reduce frame wear by combining your cables together and adding a grippy protecting layer.

This hack does require a little effort, with some cables needing to be disconnected to get the wrap over them. But it's well worth the effort once your handlebar is free from messy cables.

Shrink wrap can also be placed over your brake levers to provide a grippier surface, similar to Lizard Skins’ DPS Lever Grips.

Cash is something most of us carry when we go out for a ride, but sometimes it can prove more valuable than its monetary value.

If you hit a large thorn or piece of glass, it can take a chunk out of your tyre, which will then stop a fresh tube from inflating properly, leaving you stranded.

Instead of handing your banknotes over to a taxi driver to help you get home, you can use them as a tyre boot by placing them over the affected area. The note will keep the inner tube from escaping the tyre, enabling you to ride on.

This trick works best with polymer notes, and when you fix your tyre you’ll be reminded of the money you saved.

While the best cycling gloves have in-built features such as gel inserts that add comfort when riding, gardening or labourers’ gloves can be just as effective at keeping your hands warm and safe while on your bike.

Gardening gloves can be found relatively cheaply, with some offering elements of waterproofing and grip to help you hold the bars on wet rides.

They may not be ‘on brand’, but they do the trick if you’re looking for a decent pair of gloves.

If you store your bike outside, it's a good idea to protect it from the elements. Rain brings rust, which will not only affect how your bike looks, but also how it performs.

There are many bike covers on the market, which are designed to protect your bike from harsh conditions, with most consisting of water-resistant materials and rip-cord closures.

You might not need to fork out for a cover if you have tarpaulin lying around, because the waterproof barrier can protect your bike just as well.

If you are handy with a hole punch and have some string, you can even fashion a closure for the bottom of the tarp to make sure it doesn't blow away.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it's now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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