Senior E-Biker Podcast #7
The Senior E-biker Podcast: Episode 7
Which E-bike Accessories Do You Need - And Which Ones Will Be Fun Even If You Don't Need Them.
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Some of the most common questions I receive on the podcast are about accessories. There are many to choose from and I'd like to discuss my personal favorites. I ride one of my two E-bikes every single day and the accessories I am going to talk about in this episode are accessories I have purchased with my own money and that I actually use.
You may not need any of these accessories and I'm not here to try to sell you anything, so don't feel bad if you cannot afford these items or if you're not looking in the same direction. This is just a list of what I use and enjoy and I share it in the hopes it will help some of you if you are also considering adding to your e-bike.
By the way I have this full list on my free Substack newsletter. I'll give you info on how to grab that at the end of the show - also, this info will be in the shownotes which I post on Transistor.fm and on my YouTube Channel.
So here we go...
Seat:
I am 6.1/2" tall and weigh 262 lbs. I am a big guy and I need a big seat. I probably could have gotten by with the stock seat but I have one of these on my other E-bike and have grown to really like it so I swapped seats and replaced with:
Wuvop Oversized Peloton Bike Seat (https://amzn.to/3ZzBIBz)
$33.95
Grips:
The Nomad II comes with very good grips, but I wanted to add bar-end mirrors and these grips come equipped with a removable end cap that makes it easier to install the mirror.
My Budget Pick:
ROCKBROS Bike Handle Grips (https://amzn.to/3HJ5TAo)
$19.99
My Pro Pick:
Ergon GP1 Mountain Bike Grips (https://amzn.to/4onH2Ti)
$36.95
Cam Mount:
I occasionally use my GoPro Hero 11 to make videos while riding. I tested a dozen handlebar mounts and this one is inexpensive and works very well.
Sametop Bike Pole Mount https://amzn.to/45cd6AO
$18.99
Side Mirrors:
The Nomad doesn't come with mirrors. I ordered five different sets I didn't like (including the one Velotric sells) and ended up picking some inexpensive bar-end mirrors that were recommended to me by more than a dozen trusted sources. They work great.
Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror (https://amzn.to/4kRDbf9)
$15.26 x2
Pedals:
The Nomad - like most bikes in its price category comes with cheap pedals. There's nothing wrong with them but I wanted a slightly wider platform so I made a change and am happy I did.
BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals MTB Pedals Flat (https://amzn.to/4jT4aG2)
$21.36
Bottle Cage:
I want to stay hydrated when I ride and the Nomad has built in screws and a place for a bottle holder. This is the one I use.
HUALONG Ultra Light Full Carbon Fiber Water Bottle Cage (https://amzn.to/44aPYlY)
$22.90
Water Bottle:
Again as part of my hydration strategy. I wanted something that wouldn't leave me full of forever chemicals so I spent money on a really good bottle from a brand highly recommended by most cyclists.
CamelBak Podium Steel Insulated Stainless Steel Bike Water Bottle (https://amzn.to/3G0fkux)
$44.00
Bright Aux Front/Rear LED Lights:
Most car/bike accidents happen because the car driver just isn't looking for bikes. Having an auxiliary set of blinking LEDS is crucial for visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
I’ve gone through five different sets of these types of lights, looking for the best balance of performance and price. I had some issues with other models I like needing to be recharged too often so I am now using these.
Prasky LED Bike Lights (https://amzn.to/3J5Z0cQ)
$19.94
Bright Rear Warning Light/Radar
Blinking light and rearview radar with tail light provides awareness of vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away
Garmin Varia RTL515 (https://amzn.to/4eXHS4Q)
$199.99
High-Visibility Vest or Clothing:
Brightly colored or reflective vests, jackets, or even arm/leg bands significantly increase a rider's visibility to motorists and pedestrians. I look like a member of the Village People when I ride but I AM visible.
Salzmann Mesh Multi-Pocket Working Vest - Reflective Vest (https://amzn.to/3SSQL5O)
$14.90
Men's Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
I can ride 15-20% further wearing these shorts compared to not wearing them so if I want distance/time on the bike, these are my go-to.
Bikewa Mountain Bike Shorts - https://amzn.to/4lN9HzC
$29.99
High Visability Rain Jacket
It rarely rains where I live and is usually pretty warm but for the few times when it’s needed, I want a light-weight, hi-vis jacket to wear. This is my favorite.
Men's Cycling Rain Jacket Waterproof Running Bike Windbreaker
https://amzn.to/3GtthBC
$49.99
Riding Gloves
FULL-FINGER - I like to wear gloves to protect my hands from road debris, to protect my hands if I fall, and to help reduce vibration from the handlebars. This pair from GripGrab is favored by many serious cyclists.
GripGrab SuperGel XC Padded Full Finger Summer Cycling Gloves
GripGrab - https://amzn.to/3TuvnUB
$44.99
HALF-FINGER - For me - the Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 gloves are essential for comfort. They are a top-tier contender. What sets these gloves apart for the e-bike enthusiast is the exceptional vibration damping provided by the Castelli Damping System (CDS), which strategically places gel padding to protect the median nerve and reduce the hand numbness that can creep in after miles on the road.
Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 - https://amzn.to/4kvqCFu
$49.99
Helmet with MIPS:
For me, a good quality, properly-fitting helmet is a must. Technologies like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) can offer additional protection. I also have a big head and the Giro brand is one of the few that make a helmet which fits me.
Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet (https://amzn.to/3SP7gzJ)
$62.45
Security:
Good locks make good neighbors. Nothing you or I do will keep your bike and belongings safe from a determined thief. But you can slow them down and discourage random theft attempts with a good lock or two or three...
HELMET - LOCK the one I picked is designed for motorcyclists but works well for E-bikers too.
ROCKBROS Motorcycle Helmet Lock (https://amzn.to/4e2G4Y5)
$9.99
Bike Lock #1
HIPLOK Z Lok Single Zip Combo Lock (https://amzn.to/43S7YB6)
$45.22
Bike Lock #2
RBRL Bicycle Lock (https://amzn.to/3TpZgoY) $55.99
Tire Puncture Protection:
I live in NM where we have a ton of goatheads - they are nasty little stickers that took down my tires nearly every time I rode - even on paved paths. I tried three different brands of sealant before I settled on this one - haven't had a flat since.
Flat Out QuickStrike Tire Sealant Off-Road Formula (https://amzn.to/45WjVbH)
$23.99
Tire Pressure Gauge:
I keep this gauge in my garage to use to test my tires before I ride. It's too big to carry with me but I only need it as part of my safety check. It's longer than most and helps my old body since I do not have to stay bent over for too long.
GODESON Tire Pressure Gauge (https://amzn.to/3ZZWCtO)
$11.99
Portable Air Pump/Compressor:
While puncture-resistant tires help, it's always good to be prepared. A relatively small, easy-to-use pump and a simple patch kit can be lifesavers. I can put this unit in my rear trunk bag. There are smaller ones but this is the one my bike mechanic uses and recommends so it was good enough for me. Works fast, easy and reliably.
Ryobi RPI18-0 High Pressure Compressor (https://amzn.to/3TnFcU6)
$39.00
Battery for Ryobi Compressor
Ryobi One+ 18v Lithium Ion 2.0ah Battery and Charger Kit (https://amzn.to/4002vao)
$55.90
Bike Trunk Bag:
Provides convenient storage for groceries, personal items, or a jacket. Baskets are easy to access, while panniers and trunk bags offer more secure and water resistant storage.
Ibera MIK Commuter Bag (https://amzn.to/44folJs) (NOTE - Need a MIK system for this to work. It works for me because my bike comes with a MIK system.)
$124.99
Phone Mount:
Having a cellphone mount allows for easy viewing of navigation apps or tracking ride stats. I originally used the one from Velotric - I used to believe the manufacturer’s mount is always the safe choice, but recently my phone came flying out of the Velotric phone holder when I hit a bump so I went searching for a new mount. Then I tried the Quad Lock Out Front Pro. It’s VERY expensive since you really need a new phone case. It was a bear to install and I never got it to fit my Velotric handlebars the way I wanted so I sent it back and opted for an inexpensive unit called:
Lamicall Motorcycle Bike Phone Mount - https://amzn.to/4o8q1wt
$17.99
Bell
I tried four different bells. Some of them very expensive and most very inexpensive. The one I liked best was fairly inexpensive. Easy to mount and plenty loud.
ROCKBROS Bike Bell Classic Bicycle Bell Mountain - https://amzn.to/3GLPWJC
$14.99
And that's the list. I tend to customize everything I buy. Many of you reading this will never need any of these accessories (as long as you have a helmet.) There’s no need to feel pressure to buy ANYTHING. But if you DO want to accessorize your E-bike, I hope you find this list helpful. These items have improved my E-biking experience.
I'm gone a little long today, so I'm at the point in the show where I should start to wrap things up.
What are your favorite accessories? Did I miss anything? If you have questions, comments or concerns about this or any other episode of the Senior E-biker Podcast, please send me an email to: seniorebikerpodcast@gmail - share your opinion or ask me a question.
You can find show notes and a transcript of this episode on the show's website at https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I'll have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I hope you'll join me again. New episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. In my next episode I will discuss the large number of new laws impacting e-bikers and why some of those laws are misplaced due to a poor understanding of e-bikes and e-bike terminology. You won't want to miss it.
With that I will leave you with my gratitude for listening. Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.
Which E-bike Accessories Do You Need - And Which Ones Will Be Fun Even If You Don't Need Them.
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Some of the most common questions I receive on the podcast are about accessories. There are many to choose from and I'd like to discuss my personal favorites. I ride one of my two E-bikes every single day and the accessories I am going to talk about in this episode are accessories I have purchased with my own money and that I actually use.
You may not need any of these accessories and I'm not here to try to sell you anything, so don't feel bad if you cannot afford these items or if you're not looking in the same direction. This is just a list of what I use and enjoy and I share it in the hopes it will help some of you if you are also considering adding to your e-bike.
By the way I have this full list on my free Substack newsletter. I'll give you info on how to grab that at the end of the show - also, this info will be in the shownotes which I post on Transistor.fm and on my YouTube Channel.
So here we go...
Seat:
I am 6.1/2" tall and weigh 262 lbs. I am a big guy and I need a big seat. I probably could have gotten by with the stock seat but I have one of these on my other E-bike and have grown to really like it so I swapped seats and replaced with:
Wuvop Oversized Peloton Bike Seat (https://amzn.to/3ZzBIBz)
$33.95
Grips:
The Nomad II comes with very good grips, but I wanted to add bar-end mirrors and these grips come equipped with a removable end cap that makes it easier to install the mirror.
My Budget Pick:
ROCKBROS Bike Handle Grips (https://amzn.to/3HJ5TAo)
$19.99
My Pro Pick:
Ergon GP1 Mountain Bike Grips (https://amzn.to/4onH2Ti)
$36.95
Cam Mount:
I occasionally use my GoPro Hero 11 to make videos while riding. I tested a dozen handlebar mounts and this one is inexpensive and works very well.
Sametop Bike Pole Mount https://amzn.to/45cd6AO
$18.99
Side Mirrors:
The Nomad doesn't come with mirrors. I ordered five different sets I didn't like (including the one Velotric sells) and ended up picking some inexpensive bar-end mirrors that were recommended to me by more than a dozen trusted sources. They work great.
Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror (https://amzn.to/4kRDbf9)
$15.26 x2
Pedals:
The Nomad - like most bikes in its price category comes with cheap pedals. There's nothing wrong with them but I wanted a slightly wider platform so I made a change and am happy I did.
BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals MTB Pedals Flat (https://amzn.to/4jT4aG2)
$21.36
Bottle Cage:
I want to stay hydrated when I ride and the Nomad has built in screws and a place for a bottle holder. This is the one I use.
HUALONG Ultra Light Full Carbon Fiber Water Bottle Cage (https://amzn.to/44aPYlY)
$22.90
Water Bottle:
Again as part of my hydration strategy. I wanted something that wouldn't leave me full of forever chemicals so I spent money on a really good bottle from a brand highly recommended by most cyclists.
CamelBak Podium Steel Insulated Stainless Steel Bike Water Bottle (https://amzn.to/3G0fkux)
$44.00
Bright Aux Front/Rear LED Lights:
Most car/bike accidents happen because the car driver just isn't looking for bikes. Having an auxiliary set of blinking LEDS is crucial for visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
I’ve gone through five different sets of these types of lights, looking for the best balance of performance and price. I had some issues with other models I like needing to be recharged too often so I am now using these.
Prasky LED Bike Lights (https://amzn.to/3J5Z0cQ)
$19.94
Bright Rear Warning Light/Radar
Blinking light and rearview radar with tail light provides awareness of vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away
Garmin Varia RTL515 (https://amzn.to/4eXHS4Q)
$199.99
High-Visibility Vest or Clothing:
Brightly colored or reflective vests, jackets, or even arm/leg bands significantly increase a rider's visibility to motorists and pedestrians. I look like a member of the Village People when I ride but I AM visible.
Salzmann Mesh Multi-Pocket Working Vest - Reflective Vest (https://amzn.to/3SSQL5O)
$14.90
Men's Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
I can ride 15-20% further wearing these shorts compared to not wearing them so if I want distance/time on the bike, these are my go-to.
Bikewa Mountain Bike Shorts - https://amzn.to/4lN9HzC
$29.99
High Visability Rain Jacket
It rarely rains where I live and is usually pretty warm but for the few times when it’s needed, I want a light-weight, hi-vis jacket to wear. This is my favorite.
Men's Cycling Rain Jacket Waterproof Running Bike Windbreaker
https://amzn.to/3GtthBC
$49.99
Riding Gloves
FULL-FINGER - I like to wear gloves to protect my hands from road debris, to protect my hands if I fall, and to help reduce vibration from the handlebars. This pair from GripGrab is favored by many serious cyclists.
GripGrab SuperGel XC Padded Full Finger Summer Cycling Gloves
GripGrab - https://amzn.to/3TuvnUB
$44.99
HALF-FINGER - For me - the Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 gloves are essential for comfort. They are a top-tier contender. What sets these gloves apart for the e-bike enthusiast is the exceptional vibration damping provided by the Castelli Damping System (CDS), which strategically places gel padding to protect the median nerve and reduce the hand numbness that can creep in after miles on the road.
Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 - https://amzn.to/4kvqCFu
$49.99
Helmet with MIPS:
For me, a good quality, properly-fitting helmet is a must. Technologies like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) can offer additional protection. I also have a big head and the Giro brand is one of the few that make a helmet which fits me.
Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet (https://amzn.to/3SP7gzJ)
$62.45
Security:
Good locks make good neighbors. Nothing you or I do will keep your bike and belongings safe from a determined thief. But you can slow them down and discourage random theft attempts with a good lock or two or three...
HELMET - LOCK the one I picked is designed for motorcyclists but works well for E-bikers too.
ROCKBROS Motorcycle Helmet Lock (https://amzn.to/4e2G4Y5)
$9.99
Bike Lock #1
HIPLOK Z Lok Single Zip Combo Lock (https://amzn.to/43S7YB6)
$45.22
Bike Lock #2
RBRL Bicycle Lock (https://amzn.to/3TpZgoY) $55.99
Tire Puncture Protection:
I live in NM where we have a ton of goatheads - they are nasty little stickers that took down my tires nearly every time I rode - even on paved paths. I tried three different brands of sealant before I settled on this one - haven't had a flat since.
Flat Out QuickStrike Tire Sealant Off-Road Formula (https://amzn.to/45WjVbH)
$23.99
Tire Pressure Gauge:
I keep this gauge in my garage to use to test my tires before I ride. It's too big to carry with me but I only need it as part of my safety check. It's longer than most and helps my old body since I do not have to stay bent over for too long.
GODESON Tire Pressure Gauge (https://amzn.to/3ZZWCtO)
$11.99
Portable Air Pump/Compressor:
While puncture-resistant tires help, it's always good to be prepared. A relatively small, easy-to-use pump and a simple patch kit can be lifesavers. I can put this unit in my rear trunk bag. There are smaller ones but this is the one my bike mechanic uses and recommends so it was good enough for me. Works fast, easy and reliably.
Ryobi RPI18-0 High Pressure Compressor (https://amzn.to/3TnFcU6)
$39.00
Battery for Ryobi Compressor
Ryobi One+ 18v Lithium Ion 2.0ah Battery and Charger Kit (https://amzn.to/4002vao)
$55.90
Bike Trunk Bag:
Provides convenient storage for groceries, personal items, or a jacket. Baskets are easy to access, while panniers and trunk bags offer more secure and water resistant storage.
Ibera MIK Commuter Bag (https://amzn.to/44folJs) (NOTE - Need a MIK system for this to work. It works for me because my bike comes with a MIK system.)
$124.99
Phone Mount:
Having a cellphone mount allows for easy viewing of navigation apps or tracking ride stats. I originally used the one from Velotric - I used to believe the manufacturer’s mount is always the safe choice, but recently my phone came flying out of the Velotric phone holder when I hit a bump so I went searching for a new mount. Then I tried the Quad Lock Out Front Pro. It’s VERY expensive since you really need a new phone case. It was a bear to install and I never got it to fit my Velotric handlebars the way I wanted so I sent it back and opted for an inexpensive unit called:
Lamicall Motorcycle Bike Phone Mount - https://amzn.to/4o8q1wt
$17.99
Bell
I tried four different bells. Some of them very expensive and most very inexpensive. The one I liked best was fairly inexpensive. Easy to mount and plenty loud.
ROCKBROS Bike Bell Classic Bicycle Bell Mountain - https://amzn.to/3GLPWJC
$14.99
And that's the list. I tend to customize everything I buy. Many of you reading this will never need any of these accessories (as long as you have a helmet.) There’s no need to feel pressure to buy ANYTHING. But if you DO want to accessorize your E-bike, I hope you find this list helpful. These items have improved my E-biking experience.
I'm gone a little long today, so I'm at the point in the show where I should start to wrap things up.
What are your favorite accessories? Did I miss anything? If you have questions, comments or concerns about this or any other episode of the Senior E-biker Podcast, please send me an email to: seniorebikerpodcast@gmail - share your opinion or ask me a question.
You can find show notes and a transcript of this episode on the show's website at https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I'll have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I hope you'll join me again. New episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. In my next episode I will discuss the large number of new laws impacting e-bikers and why some of those laws are misplaced due to a poor understanding of e-bikes and e-bike terminology. You won't want to miss it.
With that I will leave you with my gratitude for listening. Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.