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Must-have cycling accessories you might be missing

Guide to the choice of the best cycling accessories essential to improve comfort, safety and performance in every season

Must-have cycling accessories you might be missing

Cycling accessories are essential components of every cyclist’s equipment, often underestimated compared to technical clothing, but just as important to ensure the right comfort and optimal performance in the saddle. Technical socks, gloves, shoe covers, sleeves, neck warmers, under-helmets and sunglasses: these are all elements designed not only to improve performance, but also to increase safety and protection in any weather condition.

Every cyclist has different needs, which depend on different factors: those who ride in winter in the morning, for example, will need more thermal protection, while those who tackle long distances in summer will have to prioritize breathability. Similarly, those who practice road cycling will have specific needs in terms of protection, functionality and comfort, different from those who prefer gravel or off-road routes in MTB. To select the right accessories, therefore, it is essential to take into account not only the season but also other aspects such as the type of route, the type of outings, the level of experience, personal needs and the duration of the workouts.

In this article you will find all the useful tips to choose the accessories for cycling best suited to your needs and ensure always maximum comfort and performance, on any type of route.

How to choose the best cycling accessories

As with cycling clothing, the choice of accessories also requires careful consideration of different aspects and the right balance between functionality, comfort, protection and adaptability. Here are the main factors and characteristics you should consider before buying:

  • type of discipline: road cyclists have different needs than gravel or mountain bikers. For road cycling, for example, lightweight and breathable accessories are more suitable, designed to optimize performance and speed. For gravel and MTB, on the other hand, it is advisable to choose more protective accessories that ensure greater resistance to shocks, abrasions, mud and dust; 
  • climatic and seasonal conditions: weather conditions play an important role in the choice of accessories. Winter requires insulation, wind and water resistant materials. Thermal gloves, padded shoe covers, under-helmets and windproof vests become valuable allies to avoid heat loss and keep the body temperature constant. In the summer, however, you need maximum breathability: lightweight gloves, breathable socks, headbands and anti-UV sleeves help to manage sweating and excessive heat. In spring and autumn, the exits often take place under uncertain conditions: better to opt for versatile and adaptable accessories, such as foldable vests, removable sleeves and light headgear, which can be easily removed and stored when the temperature varies; 
  • duration and frequency of the rides: a cyclist who pedals a couple of times a month will have different needs than one who trains every day or often covers long distances. If the outputs are frequent or prolonged, it is essential to invest in resistant accessories, made of technical materials designed to last over time and ensure optimal performance with different weather conditions. Those who are new or do not train will often be able to find more versatile and less technical solutions, but still functional and of quality;
  • personal preferences and thermal comfort: each cyclist reacts differently to temperatures and efforts. Some cyclists particularly suffer from the cold in hands and feet, others sweat a lot and need ultra-breathable materials. Carefully evaluating your needs is therefore crucial to choose the right accessories; 
  • fit and adaptability: accessories, such as garments, must also have a good fit. Gloves that are too tight, for example, may cause itching, while models that are too wide may have an inadequate level of insulation. Before you buy the accessories, therefore, try them out or carefully check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are the right size and fit your body perfectly; 
  • quality of materials: not all accessories are the same. Technical fabrics, flat seams, reflective inserts, water-repellent or windproof treatments can make a difference in performance and durability. Investing in garments made with high-quality and technologically advanced technical fabrics - like all Nalini garments - will guarantee you optimal performance and maximum comfort in every condition. 

4 essential accessories for your bike rides

As we have seen, each cyclist has specific needs: there are those who ride only on weekends and those who train every day, who love long distances on the road and those who prefer dirt tracks, who move in the city and who love cycling in the middle of nature. Everyone has their own style, pace and preferences when it comes to cycling equipment. However, there are some essential accessories that every cyclist should have: 

1. Cycling gloves

Gloves are essential accessories in cycling equipment, regardless of level of experience, type of discipline or season. They protect your hands from the elements, improve control on the handlebars, absorb vibrations and, in case of a fall, are the first barrier against scratches and abrasions. During winter outings, they maintain warmth and prevent numbness of the fingers, while in warmer months they prevent slippage due to sweat and reduce the risk of blisters and irritation.

In winter, the main problem is loss of sensitivity due to cold. Nalini Logo Thermal Gloves are designed to meet these needs. Made of a thermal fleece fabric with three layers, they offer excellent insulation, protecting your hands even in harsh weather conditions. Their compact and snug design, however, allows you to maintain a good tactile sensitivity, essential for precise control of the bike. The W.R. (Water Resistant) treatment makes them perfect even in light rain or high humidity, while reflective logos improve visibility in low light situations, increasing safety on the roads.

During summer, however, the goal is to keep your hands cool and dry while ensuring a firm and comfortable grip on the handlebars. For the warmer months, therefore, gloves made of light and breathable fabrics are recommended, such as New Summer Gloves by Nalini with non-slip microfiber palm, Equipped with a hexagon-shaped silicone mesh insert that ensures optimal grip even in conditions of intense sweating. The back is made of breathable elastic mesh, which promotes ventilation and prevents overheating. In addition, a convenient fabric hook facilitates the removal of the glove. Having a pair of cycling gloves for the winter and one for the summer will allow you to face every season with the right level of protection and comfort. 

Accessori da ciclismo sottovalutati: cosa non trascurare

2. Overshoes

Cycling overshoes are one of the most underrated but essential accessories to ensure optimal comfort, protection and performance in the saddle, especially during the colder months when the feet are directly exposed to wind, rain and low temperatures. In addition to insulating, acting as a protective barrier against cold and weather, they also improve aerodynamics and protect the shoes from mud, dust and wear, prolonging their life. For this reason, they are recommended for any type of cyclist: from the competitive cyclist to the gravel rider, to the cycle tourist.

Nalini 3D Winter cover shoes are designed to offer maximum protection even in the most difficult weather conditions. This shoe cover is made of a three-layer thermal fabric, which includes an internal membrane for thermal insulation and a D.W.R. (Durable Water Repellent) treatment applied to the external inserts, able to effectively repel water and moisture. The central 3D windproof fabric insert blocks the entry of cold air without compromising flexibility and comfort during cycling. To ensure maximum grip and resistance even in the wettest days, the YKK rear zip is equipped with anti-rain coating and completed by a reflective garage zip, which improves visibility in the evening hours or in low light conditions. 

On the inside, a protective flap prevents rubbing and helps to keep the closure stable. The lower part of the shoe cover is reinforced at the contact points with pedals and frame, for greater durability even in case of intensive use. Thanks to these advanced features, the Bow 3D Winter is the ideal choice for those looking for complete protection, thermal comfort and high resistance

Accessori da ciclismo sottovalutati: cosa non trascurare

3. Wind-proof cycling vest

The windproof vest is another essential accessory in the wardrobe of every cyclist, so much so that it is often considered a real "life saver" when going out under varying conditions. Its main function is to protect the torso from wind and sudden changes in temperature, which occur especially during descents or early morning hours. 
The best models combine technical materials that block cold air on the chest and back while still maintaining good breathability.

The WR Man Vest by Nalini is a garment designed to offer complete protection in a compact format, comfortable to wear, extremely versatile and suitable for all seasons. It is made of three-layer fabric of only 90 gr/m 2, with water-repellent treatment WR (Water Resistant) and a certified water column of 20,000 mm, which means that it resists effectively to rain and intense humidity. Despite the three-layer structure, the vest is extremely light and easy to fold and carry in a back pocket of the vest.

Among the most interesting technical details we find the internal wind protection with garage zip, which prevents the entry of air through the front hinge. The inner collar made of soft fabric increases comfort when in contact with the skin, avoiding neck discomfort. Reflective logos on the front and back ensure better visibility in low light conditions, while the integral YKK® cam-lock zip allows for smooth and secure opening even when you’re on the move. The lower hem is equipped with an elastic silicone band that keeps the vest perfectly in place during the pedaling, preventing it from lifting.

Accessori da ciclismo sottovalutati: cosa non trascurare

4. Caps or under helmet

The head is one of the most sensitive areas to heat loss and during bike rides the wind penetrating through the cracks in the helmet can cause sudden cooling. That’s why caps and under helmets are essential accessories in every season, not only in the middle of winter. They perform a double function: thermoregulation and protection from the elements, significantly improving the quality of the pedaling.

A good underhelmet should protect ears, forehead and head without ensuring high breathability and a good fit. In summer, a light cap can be very useful to absorb sweat and shield slightly from the sun thanks to the visor. In addition, a waterproof and windproof cap can be useful in case of rain to protect the head from water and wind.

The Warm Mid Cap by Nalini is the perfect accessory to face the mid-seasons and mild winters. This cap is made of thermal stretch fabric, soft and elastic, which wraps perfectly the head following its movements without creating pressure points. Flat seams prevent irritation and chafing, while the integrated visor protects eyes from low sun, wind and light rain. The earmuffs are a fundamental component, which protects the most exposed parts without cluttering, allowing a perfect integration with the helmet. The reflective anthracite logo increases visibility in low light conditions, a detail always useful for road safety.

For wet and windy days, however, the ideal choice is the WP Rain Cap, a waterproof and windproof cap, perfect to face outings in uncertain weather conditions. It is completely heat-sealed, a feature that prevents any water infiltration through the seams, keeping the head dry and warm even in the most difficult weather conditions. The reflective black logo is discreet but functional, designed to improve visibility

Accessori da ciclismo sottovalutati: cosa non trascurare

Do you want to tackle every bike ride with maximum comfort, protection and style? Discover the full range of Nalini accessories, designed to meet the needs of every cyclist, in any season and on any route. From gloves to shoe covers, from windproof vests to technical caps, you will find solutions studied in detail to offer high performance and quality Made in Italy. 
 

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Must-have cycling accessories you might be missing