The Best Bike Commute Gear of 2021
Cycle your way around town with these smart solutions
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Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Seat ($230)
The Yepp Nexxt Maxi quick-mounting system straps easily to rear racks, so parents can seamlessly swap their kiddo’s seat between rigs. It’s made of a soft but durable foam that wipes clean, and two shoulder straps and a sturdy plastic buckle make it simple to secure your little one for safe transport.
Merrell Men’s Burnt Rock Travel Shoes ($100)
Merrell’s no-nonsense, stylish casual shoe can pedal you from the office to the trailhead and then provide the stability you need to hike to the summit. It’s stiff enough for good power transfer, and the light upper breathes well on warm days.
Hiplok DXF Lock ($100)
The 2.6-pound DXF is one of the lightest Sold Secure Gold–rated U-locks out there. Two beefy plastic clips and a frame bracket make for convenient carrying, and a lifetime warranty ensures it’ll last for years.
Arc’teryx Women’s Phelix Pants ($99)
Transition straight from an office chair to a bike saddle wearing the Phelix. A gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and stretch-cotton twill let you move freely. The trim fit and minimalist design keep you looking sharp.
Fidlock Twist 590 Bottle and Base ($45)
Magnets secure the Twist to a low-profile frame mount, so you can carry your water worry-free. Taking a drink is as easy as rotating the bottle 45 degrees to slide it off. But locked down, the mechanism stayed put, even on rocky trails that sent other bottles flying.
Tern GSD G2 Bike ($5,099 and up)
A burly rear rack and a carrying capacity of 440 pounds make this e-bike a workhorse. Storage is easy: stand it on end indoors, and fold the handlebars flat to slide it into a trunk. Plus, the carbon belt drive (no lube required) and reliable internally geared drivetrain require little maintenance.
Chrome Industries Blckchrm 22x Lako 3-Way Tote ($105)
Testers loved the Lako’s padded laptop sleeve and separate wet-dry compartments. The tough water-resistant shell fends off the elements.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Rove Barrier Jacket ($150)
This lightweight polyester-elastane shell offers great mobility in the cycling position and features a stowable neon tail flap for visibility. It cuts the wind, breathes well, and has a DWR treatment, but doesn’t look too techy.
Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet ($135)
Highly protective yet sleek in design, the Chapter MIPS is ideal for style-conscious riders. It comes with a magnetic rear light, and has a hole hidden behind a pop-out logo, so you can lock your helmet with your bike.