10 must-haves for commuters on bikes: Smart equipment for everyday cyclists
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
· 13.03.2026
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1. maloja EmeraldM commuter jeans: one for all occasions
If you type the word "commuter" into your mobile device, autocorrect constantly tries to get you to correct the sequence of letters to "computer". Yet the English term for commuter is already relatively familiar. And special commuter jeans for cycling are not really new either.
Apart from that: The new model EmeraldM from Maloja proves itself in this task and also looks good. The stretchy denim material allows you to pedal freely, while seams that have been moved forward from the crotch are designed to minimise chafing in the saddle. The reflective "MAL" and "OJA" lettering on the back of the leg cuffs is another functional detail.
Incidentally, the women's version of the trousers is labelled "VELO" and "LOVE". Why isn't this granted to the men's world? After all, a small, embroidered bicycle is emblazoned on the back pocket of both sexes, signalling that they belong to the commuter community.
The black, slightly pre-washed fabric feels pleasant against the skin and gives the impression of wearing comfortable jogging trousers rather than hard-wearing jeans. EmeraldM certainly has what it takes to become a favourite pair of trousers!
Rating:
+ high wearing comfort
Price: 200 euros; 5-pocket jeans, regular fit >> available here
Material: Cotton, nylon, elastane (77/21/2 per cent)
2. Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell: Sound on
The bicycle bell Oi Prima Bike Bell from Knog impresses with its elegant design and clear sound. At just 28 grams, it is a real lightweight and fits handlebars with a round diameter of 23.8 to 31.8 millimetres. The top-quality bell is available in silver and black. It blends discreetly and almost invisibly into the cockpit. Its bright, clear "ping", on the other hand, is easy to hear in road traffic - without being obtrusive.
Rating:
+ Design, sound image
Price: 30 Euro >> available here
Weight: 28.3 grammes
3. Veolo Cargo: Cargo trailer
In our practical test, the Veolo impressed us above all with its flexibility. The optional bag and the packing brackets make the cargo trailer very versatile. In combination with an e-bike, even heavy loads over long distances are no problem. We also see advantages over the currently popular cargo bikes. With the Veolo Cargo, there is no need to purchase an additional bike and you can simply use your existing bike. The low weight and high payload also speak in favour of the Veolo. We were also amazed at how smoothly and stably the cargo trailer runs behind the bike.
Rating:
+ Low weight, high payload and flexibility, stable driving behaviour, clever accessories (optional)
- High price, few accessories included
Price: from 790 Euro
Weight: 9 kg /max. payload 80 kg
4. fidlock saddle bag: magnetic container
The magnetic closure is the Fidlock trademark; the drinking bottles with matching holder are well-known and proven. New to the range is the "Saddle Bag" with magnetic "pin clip", which we tested in size S with a volume of 400 millilitres (size M: 600 millilitres). The saddle and roll-top fastener clicks into place with one hand and as if by magic; the bag can be attached to the saddle and removed again in no time at all. We found opening the roll-top fastener fiddly, but overall the lightweight and robust small carrier weighing just under 140 grams is impressive. It is waterproof and keeps the contents dry even in constant rain.
Rating:
+ robust, waterproof, lightweight
- Roller shutter fiddly
Price: 50 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Weight: 138 grams (S/400 ml), variant: M/600 ml
5. GoFluo reflective waistcoat: visibly chic
Reflective waistcoats are ugly, aren't they? Not all of them! Designer Jolie Vets has tackled this problem and founded GoFluo. She started out with high-vis products for children, but now there are suitable accessories for everyone, including dogs.
Bright colours and reflective details do not guarantee that you will be seen, but they do increase your chances. GoFluo combines fluorescent colours with reflective material in the Wavelight waistcoat. The bright colours increase visibility during the day, while the reflective surfaces are also clearly visible in the dark when illuminated.
Sophisticated details such as the two-way zip, a practical wardrobe loop and two large side slit pockets with zip fasteners make this waistcoat the ideal everyday companion. In summer, it creates a casual oversized look, while in winter it can also be worn over a thick winter jacket. Of course, GoFluo also has comparable models for men in its range.
Rating:
+ Chic design, practical features
Price: 59,95 Euro >> available here
Weight: 211 grams (size S/36)
6. nextcover spoke reflectors: safety clips
Small part, big effect! The spoke reflectors significantly increase road safety as they make cyclists visible from all directions. Perception by other road users is significantly improved, especially in the dark or in poor weather conditions. The biggest advantage: The Nextcover spoke reflectors are STVZO-compliant and very easy to fit without tools. A lot of safety for little money.
Rating:
+ Simple installation, all-round safety, favourable price
Price: 10 Euro (36 pieces), 18 Euro (72 pieces) >> available here
Weight: 50 grams (36 pieces), 100 grams (72 pieces)
7th DT Swiss aluminium wheelset with dynamo: energy supplier
With mudguards, gravel bikes also cut a fine figure as commuter bikes. The problem is that you usually have to rely on annoying battery lighting again. DT Swiss has responded and now offers the high-quality GR 1600 aluminium wheelset with a dynamo. The small power barrel is aerodynamically optimised and cannot be felt while riding. The wheel itself is state-of-the-art with beautiful bladed spokes and a 25 mm rim width. Naturally tubeless-ready and finished to Swiss perfection. After around 1000 kilometres, the wheel still looks like new.
Rating:
+ Lightweight, beautifully finished and robust...
- ...but of course it also costs something
Price: 320 Euro >> available here
Weight: 1,050 grammes
8th Schwalbe G-One Overland 365: Endurance runner
Frequent riders will know: Gravel tyres roll easily but also wear out quickly. The G-One Overland 365 is Schwalbe's solution and aims to fill the gap between gravel and touring bikes. And it succeeds. After more than half a year of commuting, the tread still looks great. The tyre rolls nicely on asphalt and sings quietly. Traction is also good on gravel, but of course not quite at the level of more open tread patterns. When cornering, the Overland needs to be pressed consciously so that the outer lugs grip. This takes some practice.
Rating:
+ great compromise between grip, roll and durability
- not super light
Price: 49,90 Euro >> available here
Weight: 575 grammes
9 Ortlieb Vario Lite: everyday companion
At Eurobike, Ortlieb presented a lighter version of the tried-and-tested quick-change artist Vario. A rucksack that can be transformed into a pannier rack bag in just a few seconds. The Lite version, in which the flap is made from a mesh material, weighs a whole 370 grams less.
Flap? That's the name of the thing under which either the rucksack carrier or the luggage carrier mount can be hidden. Unlike its big sister, the small zip pocket integrated into the flap is not waterproof, but it is ideal for small items such as keys, regardless of the weather. As usual, there is space for a laptop inside the rucksack in a separate compartment.
The scope of delivery includes various inserts for the Quick-Lock system, with which the rucksack snaps into place on the carrier precisely and without wobbling. The Ortlieb Vario Lite has been in use almost every day since June for commuting to work and other appointments.
Our verdict: The convertible bag is ideal for commuting, but also for cycling tours and trips when you want to pursue other activities in addition to cycling.
Rating:
+ Versatile, robust
Volume: 22 litres
Payload: 9 kilos
Price: 160 Euro >> available here
Weight: 1,180 grammes
10th Abus Yardo chain lock: Fingerprint
The new Yardo chain lock from Abus is opened using a finger scan instead of a key or numerical code. The lock, which weighs a good 1.2 kilograms and has a seven millimetre thick, 80 centimetre long round chain, fulfils protection level 8 (out of a maximum of 15). Up to 20 different fingerprints can be stored, two of which are so-called master prints that authorise the user to change the settings. The sensor positioned centrally on the headpiece recognises the fingerprint from all directions. Power is supplied by a standard CR2 battery, which is included in the scope of delivery. According to Abus, one battery lasts for up to 10,000 openings, and a warning signal indicates when the battery is low. After ten warnings, the system prevents further locking to prevent accidental locking. Thanks to the many fingerprints that can be memorised, the lock can also be used by families or larger groups. Click here for the detailed test
Rating:
+ No key or numerical code required
- Sensor is sensitive to dirt
Price: 110 Euro >> at Decathlon, Lucky Bike or Rosebiks
Weight: 1238 grammes
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
