It is undeniable that micromobility is part of the tapestry of urban, and sometimes rural, transport. The modern commuter’s choice of gear and accessories is deliberate and an expression of personality.
That said, style aside, we believe that good fashion accessories look dapper while serving a function, whether it is excellent waterproofing, advanced structural metallurgy, or lab-tested textiles.
We’ve compiled the 5 most important fashion categories to give you style & substance on your next bike ride. In each category, we’ve included a budget-friendly option that does what you need without breaking the bank, and a luxury option, if you can afford the pinnacle of product design.
High-Performance Commuter Gloves
Handwear bridges the gap between mechanical control and style. Commuter gloves protect the delicate nerve pathways in your hand from the jitters that come with uneven, gravelly, or cobblestone roads in your city. Plus, a good pair of gloves helps keep your grip on the brakes in the wettest of weather.
The Budget Option
Priced at $29.95, the Giro Bravo 2 Gel Glove is a form-fitting, low-profile glove that tucks neatly under your jacket cuffs. The glove is built with a suede microfiber palm and features 2mm of EVA gel pads to absorb shocks. The glove is also fingerless, so you can keep using your phone.
The Luxury Option
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Gel Glove costs $80. For that price, you get a weatherproof glove packed with 100g of insulation to keep your hands warm. It also has aerogel particles that constantly mould to your hand to maximize comfort. These gloves cover your entire palm and are touchscreen-capable, so you can continue using your phone in all weathers.
Optic Protection & Eyewear
If you’ve cycled for any duration of time, even a few hours, airborne debris that accosts you out of nowhere and solar glares that temporarily blind you are an annoyance and a safety nuisance, respectively. We’ve found fashion-forward frames that marry design with function.
The Budget Option
Tifosi Optics’ Rail Race costs $79.95. For that price, you get shatterproof polycarbonate lenses suitable for low- and high-light conditions. It weighs 32 grams and features ergonomic nose and ear pads for comfort. The lenses are interchangeable and let you choose the tint that you need.
The Luxury Option
If budget is not a constraint for you, then go for the Oakley x Sphaera collab. The Strike Giro d’Italia collection costs $265. For that price tag, you get Oakley lenses that withstand high-velocity, high-mass test conditions to ensure high levels of eye protection. These glasses feature rubber nosepads and ear grips to ensure they are slip-proof. Plus, the lens is a single, solid, curved piece with no bezels, which means greater visibility.
Weatherproof Outerwear
Whether you’re cycling for fun or commuting to work in the rain, the “sweat & splash” ethos doesn’t work. You cannot get sweaty by covering yourself in cheap plastic, only to then walk into work dry on the outside, but drenched in your own sweat. We found well-designed, layered, weatherproof outerwear that keeps you dry both outside and in.
The Budget Option
Theoretically, you could buy a fast-fashion jacket that does everything most jackets do. But we’re choosing not to list that; instead, we’ve chosen a lasting, well-designed product that won’t break the bank. The Decathlon Simond MT900 jacket costs between $90 and $130, depending on discounts and sizes. At that range, you get a soft-shell, windproof, breathable jacket. The Large variant also weighs only 480g.
The Luxury Option
The Chrome Industries Merino Cobra 3.0 costs $200 for both the men's & women's versions. For that price, you get a sleek, stylish hoodie that goes with almost anything you can wear. It features a high collar and thumbholes on the cuffs. It is available in a range of sizes and is made from sustainably sourced recycled polyester and merino wool. You also get one full year of the manufacturer's warranty in case of a defect.
Technical Portability & Luggage
Standard backpacks lack the back-panel ventilation needed to avoid those icky sweat patches after long rides. Moreover, why should you carry your stuff on your back? When you could seamlessly integrate it into your cycle’s chassis via a pannier.
The Budget Option
The RockBros pannier costs $69.99, though it sometimes goes for $63.99. At 30 L, this spacious pannier can fit your laptop, clothing, and other accessories. The whole pannier is fully waterproof and crafted from durable PVC, with an adjustable 360-degree bracket for easy installation on your bike’s rear rack.
The Luxury Option
Priced at $320, the Ortlieb Vario High Vis can hold up to 26 L. It is IP67-rated for waterproofing, and you can safely store your electronics here. This pannier has reflective thread sewn into the flap to ensure visibility. It also features a Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system for easy pannier mounting and dismounting.
Urban-Performance Footwear
Commuter shoes need to be rigid enough to transfer power to the pedals easily. They also need to be designed to pair well with most outfits, so they don’t stand out awkwardly. Shoes also need to retain sufficient flex to be comfortable through the day, as much as they need to be comfortable while riding. Technically, there is neither an upper nor a lower limit in this realm. But we’re choosing shoes that are passable as daily sneakers/canvas shoes while also serving as cycling shoes.
The Budget Option
Pearl Izumi has Men’s Canyon Shoes that cost $120. On the outside, these shoes look like regular suede shoes. However, it is pure pedal performance. The shoes feature tacky rubber soles to grip onto pedals regardless of the weather. The shoes have an EVA insert for shock absorption at rough landings and gravel riding. The shoe also features a reinforced toe box for added protection.
The Luxury Option
The Endura MT500 clipless shoes cost $180. For that price, you get a shoe for trail riding. This pair combines a trainer and a performance shoe. It features a “flex profile” designed to provide additional support. The shoes also have reinforced toe and heel boxes, while an EVA midsole acts as a shock absorber when things get rough.
The Verdict
Investing in purpose-built, high-quality fashion-adjacent accessories for cycling is the way to go. Whether for active travel or everyday use, the micromobility boom has ensured the easy availability of such products across various price points. Like what you saw? We have extensive guides on accessories and essentials of all sorts. We have covered helmets, bike locks, and purpose-built e-bikes. Check those out, too!
If you love all things micromobility, then buy your tickets for one of our two live events a year. You can expect industry leaders, announcements, launches, lawmakers & even a test track to try your hand at the latest in the industry.
Happy Riding!