The 10 essential accessories to take when renting a bike

The helmet is the most important safety accessory for any cyclist. Make sure you choose a good-quality helmet that suits your head and ¨NBSP;fits snugly.

Bike rental stores generally offer helmets in different sizes, and it's advisable to wear them at all times when out cycling.

A quality lock is essential to protect your bike when you're making stops. Choose a strong, sturdy lock, preferably a U-shaped or chain lock

, to secure your bike to a fixed point when you need to leave it unattended.

Punctures can happen to even the best of us. Always carry a basic repair kit

including :

• spare inner tube
• tire levers
• portable pump.

This will enable you to repair punctures quickly and continue your ride without too much hassle.

A bicycle rack is an accessory that attaches to the rear of the bicycle and allows bags, luggage or other objects to be transported. It is made of a sturdy metal frame and often includes a platform, side bars and sometimes ledges to hold loads in place.

Bike racks offer many advantages and are very popular with cyclists. However, if you're going on a trip, the rack must be sturdy enough to accept a load of at least 25kg, and not break during the journey.

If you're exploring a new region, a navigation app or bike GPS can be very useful in guiding you along the most cyclist-friendly routes. Make sure you have your cell phone charged and securely attached to your bike.

**Here are some frequently used applications:

**

Hexplo: Our favorite and French (Co)co-ri-co 🐓) The app is in its infancy but has strong ambitions to become the Waze of Cycling. We'll let you test it out and tell us what you think 🤓

👉 Test Hexplo

Strava: Strava is a very popular app among cyclists. It offers GPS tracking, activity sharing and performance tracking features. You can also explore popular routes in your area.

Komoot: Komoot specializes in route planning for outdoor activities, including cycling. It offers detailed maps, route suggestions and offline features.

Google Maps: Google Maps is a well-known navigation application, which also offers routes for cyclists. It lets you choose between different modes of transport, including cycling, and shows you cycle paths and suitable routes.

Bikemap: Bikemap is an application dedicated to cyclists, offering thousands of cycling itineraries all over the world. It features detailed maps, terrain profile information and the ability to create and share your own routes.

Ride with GPS: Ride with GPS is a GPS navigation and tracking application specially designed for cyclists. It lets you plan routes, track your performance, share routes and navigate in real time with voice guidance.

These apps can be downloaded free of charge on iOS and Android mobile devices, although some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

We recommend you try them out and choose the one that best suits your needs and cycling style.

A bicycle trailer is a practical, versatile accessory that attaches to the rear of a bicycle and enables additional items to be transported. It consists of a light, sturdy metal frame, usually fitted with wheels, and is designed to be towed behind the bike. Whether you're running errands, going on a family picnic or exploring new horizons, a bike trailer can be a practical and reliable accessory to extend your bike's capabilities and make getting around easier.

If you plan to cycle during low-light hours or at night, it's imperative to have front and rear lights on your bike

. This will ensure your visibility to other road users and improve your safety.

Let's shine 🎆

A backpack or saddlebag will allow you to carry your personal belongings, such as a bottle of water, a snack, a map, a cell phone and a light jacket. Choose a suitably sized bag that won't interfere with your comfort during the ride. Panniers are very practical for bike tours, but don't forget to choose waterproof ones in case it rains!

Today, there are bike-packing panniers that fit directly onto the bike. In general, they contain less volume, but are less wind-tight, easier to handle on difficult terrain and less heavy than a luggage rack. They are therefore aimed at a sportier, more minimalist or performance-oriented public.

If you're planning to cycle on roads frequented by cars, a reflective vest can be an IN-DIS-PEN-SABLE addition. It improves your visibility and makes you easier to spot, especially in low light conditions.

Ding-Ding! 🛎️

A bell or horn is a useful accessory to warn pedestrians or other cyclists of your presence. In most cases, the bike rental company will provide one as standard.

This helps to maintain a safe environment on cycle paths and trails.

When renting a bike, be sure to ask the rental company a few questions in advance to make sure you have everything you need, especially in terms of accessories:

Do you rent children's bikes?

Not all rental companies offer children's bikes, or at least not in all ranges. Make sure you check before choosing your rental company! If you prefer an electric bike or mountain bike, ask if they are available in their range. Make sure you book in advance to guarantee availability of the model you want.

Then, before you saddle up, make sure you have all the accessories you need for a successful bike rental. If not, try out the child's trailer;)

Do you rent additional accessories such as a child seat, follower or repair equipment?

Ask if they can be included in a package, or if they are available to rent. Also ask about daily rental rates and any discounts for longer rentals.

Finally, check payment terms and whether the rental company offers the sale of products such as helmets, wheels or other equipment. A map of the region with suggested routes can also be useful for exploring the island or town in the ideal way.

## What types of bikes can you rent?

Most rental companies offer a wide range of bikes, including electric bikes, mountain bikes, VTCs (mountain bikes), children's bikes and adult bikes. Likewise, check out our website and book online or by phone!

Can I reserve my accessories as well as my bike?

In general, if you can reserve your bike online, you can also reserve your accessories online via the website. Choose the bike, the rental period and the accessories you want, then follow the instructions to finalize your reservation.

What are the rental rates?

Rental rates vary according to the rental period, type of bike and accessories selected. Consult the website of the rental company you are interested in, or contact the rental company directly for detailed information on rates.

Is it possible to have bikes and accessories delivered to my home?

Most rental companies now offer this service to facilitate your bike rental. You'll need to specify your address when booking. Additional charges may apply, depending on distance. These services are very useful when you're staying on an island or in a remote town.

How do I return accessories?

Accessories are generally returned to the rental point, just as bikes are returned. Be sure to respect the return time agreed upon when booking. If you have opted for home delivery, we will organize collection of the bike and accessories at the end of the rental period.

Where can I find a repair service in the event of a problem?

The vast majority of rental companies offer on-site repair services if necessary, or outsource this service to help customers in the event of a problem with the equipment.

But don't forget to ask about assistance if you need repairs or maintenance during your rental.

Can I rent bikes for a day or a longer vacation?

Most rental companies offer daily rentals, as well as special rates for multi-day rentals or longer vacations. To find out what options are available, contact the customer service department of the rental company you're interested in directly.

Otherwise, check out Lokki to find what you're looking for 👉 Search for a rental company on Lokki

Do you sell bike-related products?

Many rental companies offer the opportunity to buy bikes, accessories and related products once the season is over, often at very attractive rates and above all second-hand ♻️!

In a nutshell

When you rent a bike, it's important to equip yourself with the accessories you need for your safety, comfort and peace of mind. Whether you're heading for the city, the mountains or the great outdoors, these accessories will help you make the most of your cycling experience.