How much tech does your bicycle really need?

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The quick answer is none, but that doesn't stop today’s cyclists from forking out more on the accessories than bicycle themselves. While new bike sales are set to top £1 billion this year, British cyclists will have forked out over £1.3 billion on accessories, parts and specialist clothing.

According to Mintel, one in five frequent cyclists now uses a cycle computer or GPS while 16% have invested in a video camera to record their rides. It seems likely that the size of the accessories market is driven by the refusal of bike manufacturers to include things like mudguards, locks and lights - items that have been included as standard with cars since the earliest days of motoring.

Given the struggle involved in finding a bike that has built-in lights, let alone an anti-theft device, a silicon valley-based company called OpenBike has its work cut out; it wants bicycle manufacturers to build into their frames a basic electronic network so that accessory makers can make products compatible with the system.

From one centrally located battery would run internal wiring to the handlebars, seat and other key locations. Smart lighting systems sold without the need for their own battery, are just the start.

Future developments will allow for location and speed data stamps to be added to bike cam footage or data feeds for bike shares as well as communication between gadgets from different manufacturers.

Expect the OpenBike technology to add around £200 to the cost of a new bike. In the meantime, remember that the beauty of the bicycle is its simplicity.

Are accessories covered by cycle insurance?

It’s important to check whether your cycle insurance covers parts, not to mention accessories, against theft. Are your wheels covered? What about the seat? It’s not uncommon for thieves to steal the handlebars, shifters and all, by cutting away all the cables – would you be compensated if this happened to you? Cycle insurance from the ETA covers all parts against theft without onerous restrictions on the way you use your bike. For example, while it’s recommended that you lock your wheels, it’s not a requirement – if you are unlucky enough to have your wheels stolen they will be replaced. Even if they're quick release. Fixed accessories like pannier racks, water bottle cages, mudguards and computers (excluding quick release designs) can also be covered.

Other benefits included as standard are £5m third party, accidental damage, cycle rescue breakdown cover for your bike and a sympathetic policy on storage requirements. Find out about these benefits and others that are included at no extra cost and compare it to the competition.

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