The Electrification of the Bicycle – A Look Back
Electronics as an integral part of a bicycle –- it seems like something we take for granted today. For a long time, however, it was not. Originally, Karl Freiherr von Drais invented the bicycle more than 200 years ago as a purely mechanical means of transport. With the electrification of society at the end of the 19th century, it was not long before the first electrical components found their way onto bicycles. Bicycle lighting in particular led the way, with the first battery and dynamo systems appearing at the end of the 1920s. These gradually replaced the chemical lighting solutions that had been common until then. And when battery- and accumulator-powered lights appeared on the scene and on the roads in the second half of the 20th century, bicycle electronics finally made its breakthrough.
While bike lights are most obvious bicycle electronics, over time a wide range of other bicycle accessories have come onto the market that also rely on electricity. Another example is the bike computer: with the development of microelectronics and liquid crystal displays in the 1980s, the previously common mechanical eddy current speedometers disappeared from the market of road cycling gear. They were replaced by electric versions. Today, bike computers and bike displays are standard equipment on many current e-bikes. They offer a wide range of digital functions – from sporty road bikes to touring e-bikes.
Electronics on Bicycles – The E-Bike Boom Accelerates Development
However, the biggest milestones in bicycle electronics have been reached in the last 15 years. In particular, the e-bike boom has meant that not only are more and more bicycles being sold as complete e-bikes including electric drive, but other components and accessories are also being equipped with smart electronic functions. But it is not only the e-bike motor and the e-bike battery that make an e-bike electric: discover in our e-bike parts section which components provide the extra energy.
In addition to the e-bike, a wide range of other electric accessories have been developed over the years. Bike lights are undoubtedly the classic, and the aforementioned bike computers have also become standard. Athletes often use heart rate monitors and smart watches for their training sessions. When cycling, many people rely on special navigation computers. muscle stimulation devices are also used by many athletes to aid recovery. Cameras and action cams are also very popular with cyclists to help them record their cycling experiences. Here we present the most important bike accessories in terms of electronics.
Cycling Electronics –- From A to Z
From action cams to bike light accessories, the bike has become an electrified mode of transport. The following overview shows which components on your bike can be electric.
Bike Lights and E-Bike Lights – Let There Be Light
Did you know that the first bicycle lights were already available at the end of the 19th century? However, the candles and oil lamps of the time were quickly replaced as society became more electrified. Today, all bicycle lights are electric. In fact, bicycle lighting has become so sophisticated that a distinction is made between traditional bike lights and specific e-bike lights. In most cases, the former are typical battery- or accumulator-powered bike lights for mounting on the handlebar or seat tube. There are also dynamo-powered bike lights. E-bike lights, on the other hand, is more complex, as it involves complete lighting systems powered by the e-bike's battery. At the high end, modern bicycle lighting systems have many of the same functions you would expect to find in a car. For example, daytime running lights, high beams and brake lights.
In this category, you will not only find all kinds of lights, but also the appropriate lightaccessories such as mounts or cables. So you can adapt your bike lighteven better to your needs.
Bike Computers and Navigation Devices – Keep Track of Your Trip
Bike computers and navigation devices are classics in cycling electronics. They are small devices that attach to the handlebars and record various trip data such as speed and distance. The data is usually displayed on a small screen so you can keep an eye on your progress at all times. For a long time, cycling computers were mainly of interest to ambitious road cyclists, as they allowed them to accurately measure and analyse various training data. Now, however, many recreational cyclists are using these small data collectors. This is all the more true as many bike computers are now also available as navigation devices. Especially on bike tours or bikepacking adventures, these GPS computers are the perfect companion so you don't have to search for directions. You will find a wide range of bike computers and navigation devices in our bike computer category and navigation section.
Heart Rate Monitors and Sports Watches – Data Collectors for the Wrist
Heart rate monitors and sports watches are closely related to cycle computers. Many cycle computers today already have a heart rate monitor function. However, there are athletes who prefer to wear a sports watch when cycling or off the saddle. These are watches that offer a wide range of training functions and can be used for cycling as well as other sports such as running. The exciting thing is that there are now heart rate monitors that are virtually indistinguishable from a traditional wristwatch. This means you can monitor your fitness and health data elegantly and easily in everyday life.
In addition to cycling computers and sports watches, we also have all kinds of accessories for these two categories in this category. These include mounts, watch straps, digital maps, heart rate belts or additional gadgets that you can attach to your bike. For example, sensors to measure your cadence.
Muscle Stimulation – For a More Targeted Workout
The latest thingin training is muscle stimulation. So-called EMS training (EMS stands for "Electrical Muscle Stimulation") is a type of training in which impulsesare sent to the muscles via electrodes. These impulsescause the muscles to work in a specific way, allowing them to be trained or regenerated more quickly. Muscle stimulation equipment is ideal for cyclists who train a lot and are often on the move. The devices are usually very compact, so you can easily take your EMS device with you and use it on the road.
Cameras and Action Cams – Capture Your Cycling Experience
Cameras and action cams are particularly popular for mountain biking. After all, enjoying the scenery or a trail as you ride is a special experience – and why not share it with others? But even road cyclists and touring cyclists now often have a small action cam with them. This is no coincidence, as we offer action cams to suit every budget. They are lightweight and rugged, but they are also easy to mount. Special mounts allow you to install the action cam in different places on your bike, so you can always get the best angle for your shots.
Smartphone and Tablet Accessories – Stay Connected on the Road
A smartphone to replace a cycling computer or a tablet to analyse your training data –- everyday electronics have long since made their way into the world of cycling. In this category you will find a wide range of accessories for smartphones and tablets. These include mounts for attaching your phone to the handlebar and protective covers to keep your electronic companion safe in the rain and cold. If you use your smartphone to train, we also have compatible heart rate monitors in this category. These can be paired with your phone via Bluetooth to send data to specific training apps.
Bike Electronics – Powering Your Bike
A lot of cycling electronics need a power supply to work. Most cycle computers and navigation devices come with rechargeable batteries that can be charged via a USB cable. Bike lights also often depend on electricity, either in the form of batteries or rechargeable batteries. In our power supplycategory you will find not only batteries or cables, but also other power supplies. For example, portable solar panels are perfect for bikepacking or cycling trips, allowing you to charge your smartphone or cycle computer using solar power. For camping fans, you can also find portable power stations at BIKE24.
Buying Advice – It’s All about Compatibility
Regardless of whether you are buying a bike light or a charger in the power supply category – a crucial point when buying cycling electronics is compatibility. There are many different types of bike displays on the market, so you should make sure that they are compatible with your bike. When it comes to bicycle lighting and accessories, it is also a good idea to find out in advance which types of lamps will fit your bike. This is especially true of accessories: What's the point of having the best smartphone holder if it doesn't fit your handlebars or your smartphone? That's why we at BIKE24 always include the relevant compatibility information in the product descriptions.
Bike Electronics – Summary
From A as in action cam to Z as in zoom action cams – there are many different types of bike electronics. Especially when it comes to cycling accessories, the choice is huge. That's why we offer a wide range of bike electronics to suit your needs.
By the way: You want to buy a product but are unsure? Our BIKE24 customer service will be happy to help you.