Bike tech we should all use, but don’t

There is plenty of bike technology that is really rather good, but for one reason or another hasn’t become as widely adopted as it perhaps should.

Of course, some things are overrated, which was in fact the topic of discussion on this week's GCN Tech Show. However, equally, there is plenty of tech out there that is underrated and under-appreciated.

Here, Ollie Bridgewood takes a look at some of the tech that we should all be using, but don’t.

Panniers

With bikepacking being about the most on-trend thing in cycling since padded shorts, there are plenty of luggage solutions to adorn your bike. Frame bags, bar bags and huge saddlebags are the trademarks of a bikepacker. However, there is a solution that far outdates all of this new kit and is arguably more suited to the job in hand: panniers.

These fixed bags that mount on either side of your rear wheel not only provide a more stable mounting platform for your bags than a saddle bag that swings in the wind, but they also provide a lower centre of gravity that will improve the handling of your bike.

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Panniers offer a secure solution to carrying bags on your bike without them swinging around

Riding with a backpack for commuting is also something that the humble pannier should replace. If you have ever ridden with a large backpack on for any real length of time, you probably know how uncomfortable it can be.

Making your back sweaty and putting a lot of additional weight on your hands and arms can all be avoided by using the simple pannier rack to transport your belongings around.

• Read more: Riding through pain: Signs your position needs changing

Baskets

Cycling has always had one eye on style and how we and our bikes look. However, for a lot of people a bike is simply a tool and a mode of transportation. Even though bar bags have become the go-to accessory for cyclists, they cannot even compare to the carrying capacity of a basket.

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A basket is a far better option than a bar bag for carrying things around town

Yes, a basket is not the best solution for your brand new aerodynamically optimised superbike, but for a town bike, they can serve a real purpose.

Bells

Rounding off the trio of urban riding-themed items is the humble bell. They are a great solution for riding in shared areas or along cycle paths where you are going to need to alert people to your presence all the time.

Having a bell fitted to your bike allows for a nice polite ring to be heard as you approach other people without the need to constantly keep raising your voice.

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A bell can be used as a polite way of interacting with other shared space users

The excuse for them not being in keeping with the aesthetic of your bike is also nonsense these days, with plenty of brands offering high-end and well-designed bells that are works of art. These bells wouldn’t look out of place on any bike and increase the safety of others around you and yourself.

Onesies

Onto more performance-orientated tech now, with one-piece riding kits. This doesn’t have to be a dedicated skinsuit but simply a one-piece jersey and shorts. These retain the functionality of a traditional short and jersey combination, with pockets and zips that you can undo when you get hot.

A one-piece riding kit is significantly faster than a traditional two-piece kit, with Ollie having done a whole video testing this theory out. They are also often cheaper than two-piece kits as well, making them the logical choice to go for, for all riders. A faster and cheaper garment that arguably looks better too. It just makes sense.

Gloves

Something that has become more and more prevalent in recent years is gloveless riding. This can make sense from an aesthetic standpoint or for riders who find wearing gloves can cause rashes from the heat build-up. But for a lot of us, there isn’t really a reason that justifies not wearing them.

A good pair of cycling mitts will protect your hands in the event of a crash, preventing the dreaded shredded palms as well as offering sun protection to the back of your hands on sunny days.

Also, as Ollie found out when he rode the Tour de Stations ultimate event earlier in the year, the extra cushioning protects hands from developing calluses.

Tri Bars

This is something that has been under fire if you participate in gravel events as some events are now banning the use of tri bars by competitors. However, for everyone who doesn’t ride in UCI-sanctioned events or some gravel races, tri bars can be a real upgrade to your bike.

Firstly, the most obvious benefit is that they will make you faster. Putting yourself in a more aerodynamic position will provide immediate gains in terms of speed allowing you to travel faster for the same effort.

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Aero extensions offer performance and comfort gains that aren't to be sniffed at

Secondly, they are also great for long endurance rides for the comfort they can offer. Having tri bars fitted to your bike provides an alternative riding position that alleviates pressure from your hands and wrists.

The only thing to be mindful of when it comes to using tri bars is that they should be avoided in a group ride situation and should be reserved for the times you are enjoying a ride on your own. Having your hands away from the brakes means that you are in a position of less control, something that is not conducive to safe group riding.

Waxed Chains

Rounding out our list of tech that should be more widely adopted than it is, has to be the waxed chain. The process of waxing your chain involves using melted wax on a clean chain to offer the lubrication it needs to work efficiently. We have covered waxed chains a lot recently at GCN, because we're sold on the performance benefits that they can give you. However, there is one even more notable benefit from using a waxed chain.

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Waxing your chain can help keep it cleaner and make it last longer

Because your chain doesn’t have any wet oils covering it acting as a lubricant, your chain will stay clean for a lot longer. No dirt and grit will get picked up and stuck to the chain like it does with a traditional oil-based lubricant. This has two benefits: cleaning your drivetrain is a lot simpler, and your drivetrain will last a lot longer as well.

Do you think we missed any underrated tech that should have made this list? If so let us know in the comments section below this article.

Oliver Bridgewood

GCN Tech Presenter

PhD Chemist turned cycling enthusiast, bringing the lab coat to GCN Does Science