Whether you want to cycle longer distances in a day, take multi-day cycling trips or transport your bicycle to access a wider riding area, you need some helpful biking gear. A bike rack, or bicycle carrier, for your car will expand the places you can enjoy riding your bike, and the right kind of bike bag or bike pannier will let you pack extra clothing, first aid, and snacks for longer rides.

When outfitting your bike, review this list of the best bike accessories to ensure that you have fully considered what you need. Certain bike safety gear—like bike lights and a helmet—is essential while other items are highly useful, like a phone holder for bikes that makes it easier to navigate while cycling or a bike basket for carrying lighter loads, like groceries.

When choosing bike bags, consider features like weather resistance. A water-resistant bike bag or cycling backpack can make cycling in the rain much more enjoyable, which is especially important if you use a bicycle or e-bike to commute to work.

The difference between a cumbersome piece of gear and a useful cycling accessory comes down to how well the gear fits the situation. For long-distance biking, you might choose a set of panniers that offer plenty of storage while keeping your bike balanced. If commuting on busy city streets, however, a bike backpack can make for easier navigation and quicker securing of your bicycle when locking it up.

Your gear also needs to complement the shape of your bike. A step-through e-bike, for instance, will not support the same kind of center frame tube attachments (often used for water bottles, small accessories, and air pumps) that you can attach to a step-over one.

The benefits of e-biking are attracting more people to cycling on a regular basis, which is great for fitness and for the environment. Once you have the bike you want, it’s time to choose the best bike carrier and bag arrangement for your cycling activities and lifestyle.