Best Starter Accessories?

[Monarch23]

We're getting ready to accept delivery of a new Urban Arrow and starting the planning process. I have accessories I'd like sorted into categories, but I'd love feedback on things you have and love or any specific recommendations!

Immediate
Locks (U-lock and a chain? Additional locks? US-based where there isn't a secondary market for resale)
Car seat adapter
Bike insurance
Air tag

Medium-term
Mirror
Phone holder
Rear rack (Essential?)
Rear bags (Something bright to also aid in visibility)
Handlebar bag

Longer Term
Decorative stickers
3D printed kiddo step
Rain poncho for driver
Extra lights

 

[linnefaulk]

Mirror should be immediate.

 

[jemcmullin]

I am one week new to our (second-hand) Urban Arrow Family, also US-based. Also interested in feedback to the topic. I second a Mirror should move up as the over the shoulder glance is not as easy. The previous owner included a 3D printed cupholder that clips perfectly to upper rail of the box. Highly recommended if you are 3D printing already. Looks like the clip portion is on Printables as an "urban arrow bottle holder".

 

[Lemming_FFM]

Mirror should be immediate.

Fully agree. I have four of them on my Load4...

 

[Monarch23]

Mirror should be immediate.

Okay noted! Thanks so much!

 

[Monarch23]

Fully agree. I have four of them on my Load4...

Excellent - moved to immediate! Thank you!

 

[Monarch23]

I am one week new to our (second-hand) Urban Arrow Family, also US-based. Also interested in feedback to the topic. I second a Mirror should move up as the over the shoulder glance is not as easy. The previous owner included a 3D printed cupholder that clips perfectly to upper rail of the box. Highly recommended if you are 3D printing already. Looks like the clip portion is on Printables as an "urban arrow bottle holder".

Oooo nice - that's so slick!! Can never have enough cupholders haha. And congrats on the new UA! Did yours come with mirrors on it? If so, are you happy with them?

 

[Barb Schwendtner]

I love my Abus Granit XPlus 540 U-Lock, but if you're someplace with a lot of bike theft (a lot of cities & college towns) or you have to leave it out all day at work, you might want one of the heavier, more expensive angle-grinder resistant models. The Abus locking mechanism is the smoothest of any I've owned, which bodes well for longevity. A theft-resistant lock that you can't open because of an inferior locking mechanism is no fun. Most reviews ignore that aspect of the lock.

If you don't already have them, add some chain lube and rags to your list. Just make sure to wipe off any excess lube (or just apply it using the rag) to avoid attracting grit and grime.

 

[Monarch23]

Excellent tips! Thank you so much! Will check it out. How often do you use the chain lube?