Cycle Technology Buyers Guide

Here's a selection of the most innovative and exciting new cycle technologies on the market.

Cycle technology can help you get the most out of every bike ride. Whether you want safer cycling adventures, a comfortable commute, or are in training for a sportive or race, we've got innovative gadgets and accessories that will enhance your performance and enjoyment every time you hit the road. Take a look as we cover the most innovative and exciting new cycle technologies on the market to elevate every ride.

Cycling Apps

Cycling apps use the power of your mobile phone to track your rides, measure your total distance, average speeds, and elevation gains. Strava and Garmin Connect are two of the most popular, with the basic versions of both available for free.

As well as enabling you to track your performance and your progress over time, they're also a tremendous amount of fun as you push for a PB and compete against your friends. Once you're done, upload your ride and share it with your friends.

Cycling Computers

A cycling computer, typically mounted on your handlebars, can provide you with detailed information about your ride while you’re riding. They’re great for interval training when paired with a heart rate monitor.

Garmin Edge Explore 2 GPS

For cyclists who love to explore new routes, the Garmin Edge 2 GPS cycling computer is an excellent option. The screen is a bright 3” touchscreen display, so it’s great to use in all lights, including low light. The high-contrast maps provide bike-specific, turn-by-turn navigation and highlight popular roads and trails.

Smart Cycle Helmets

Smart bike helmets are a great upgrade from a traditional lid, featuring new technology to improve your cycling experience. Smart cycle helmets can feature a range of technology, including rear sensors that detect traffic from behind – making them a great safety precaution.

Livall BH60SE Bluetooth Smart Helmet

The Livall BH60SE Bluetooth Smart Helmet is a great example of a smart helmet. It features LED lights at the back of the helmet so you’re more visible on the road as well as two speakers and a windproof hands-free microphone, enabling you to listen to music and connect to your phone via Bluetooth to take calls, perfect for those who are cycling to work.

Power Meters

If you’re training on your bike, then a power meter or cadence sensor can help you track your power output to maximise your performance. Power meters get strapped to your bike’s crank to measure your average power output in Watts. You’ll then be able to analyse your performance over the ride to see where your power peaks and dips as well as the average.

Cadence Sensor

A cadence sensor records how many pedal rotations per minute, so you’ll be able to see how quickly you’re pedalling. Plenty of riders focus on maintaining cadence, particularly when climbing up hills. A cadence sensor that is linked to your phone is a low-cost way of improving your efficiency while riding.

Halfords Magnetless Cadence Sensor

The Halfords Magnetless Cadence Sensor is a light and easy-to-use cadence sensor. The sensor attaches to the crank arm and weighs only 50g, and is simple to set up as the device is magnetless. It features Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, IP68 water resistance, and can last up to 6 months when riding 1 hour a day. You can connect to your cycle computer or smartphone to see your cadence reading in real time.

Shop Cadence Sensors

Smart Lights

Smart bike lights can be turned on and off with a tap of your phone instead of a traditional switch or tap. They boast a long battery life and strong output, and they can also be charged up with a cable, meaning no fiddly batteries that need to be changed constantly or run out without warning mid-ride.

Lezyne KTV Drive / KTV Pro Smart Pair

The Lezyne KTV Drive / KTV Pro Smart Pair is an advanced pair of cycling lights for commuters and cyclists looking for improved visibility on the road. The pair comes equipped with our Smart Connect wireless technology, which allows them to be quickly programmed and customized by the companion LED Ally phone app. Once programmed and paired, the front light wirelessly controls the rear light, allowing for one-button turn-on and shut off.

Sensors

Sensors are a great way to stay safe on the road. With an increasing number of electric cars on the road, cyclists may find it hard to hear them coming from behind, especially when focusing on putting the power down. A rear sensor is a great idea to keep you aware of your surroundings and to let you know if a car is approaching you from behind.

Garmin Varia Rearview Radar RTL515

See and be seen with the Garmin Varia Rearview Radar RTL515 rearview radar with tail light. It pairs with your Edge® bike computer, other Garmin device, or compatible smartphone to alert you of vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away. It also works to alert drivers of your presence, too, as the bright light is visible in daylight up to 1 mile.

Heart Rate Monitor

Cycling gets the blood flowing and the heart pumping, which can be measured with a heart rate monitor. Whether you choose a classic chest-mounted heart monitor or a wrist band that reads your pulse, you'll be able to see how fast your heart is beating during your ride.

Halfords Heart Rate Monitor & Chest Strap

The Halfords Heart Rate Monitor & Chest Strap includes a comfortable, easy-to-attach chest strap to secure the Heart Rate Monitor to your chest for an accurate reading. You can pair the monitor to your phone or GPS device via ANT+ or Bluetooth so you can track your HR during or after exercise. The monitor is also waterproof, so you won’t need to worry about getting caught in an unexpected downpour.

You can shop the full range of cycling technology online at Halfords.com or visit your local store to check out our products. If you’re not sure what tech is right for you, chat to one of our helpful experts in store.