Black Friday bike protection: deals
The Black Friday bike protection brings together accessories that keep it clean, stable and audible: mudguards, kickstands, bells and mirrors. Many of these little parts go on sale, and Vélo-Store is extending its Black Friday discounts throughout November; however, each depends on a rating: wheel diameter and tyre width for a mudguard, fixing and load for a kickstand, handlebar diameter for a bell.
Three families of accessories
The mudguards make up the largest part of the section, from the MTB mudguard screwed onto the fork to the full set of stays for city bikes. The kickstands attach behind the bottom bracket or on the chainstays, available in side or double versions. The mirrors and bells complete the cycling gear. The rest of the operation, including locks, lighting or panniers, can be found in the Black Friday bike equipment.
Mudguards: diameter, width and attachment
A mudguard is first chosen based on wheel diameter, 700C or 650B for road and gravel, 27.5 or 29 inches for mountain biking, and the width of the tyre: it should cover it with a margin and not rub. Next comes the attachment. Stay-mounted models, attached to the eyelets of the frame and fork, offer the best daily protection; clip-on mudguards or strap-on ones can be fitted on a bike without eyelets and can be removed in one motion. On a mountain bike, a short mudguard fixed under the fork crown stops most of the mud that splashes up towards the face.
Kickstands: attachment and load capacity
The classic side kickstand screws behind the bottom bracket, on a plate provided by the frame; its fixing distance, often 18 or 40 mm, must match. Without a plate, a kickstand that attaches to the chainstays or seat stays will do the job. For an electric bike, a loaded bike, or when carrying a child, a double or central kickstand keeps the bike upright, and the load capacity specified by the manufacturer becomes the primary criterion. Some frames require a specific adapter, sold separately.
Bells, mirrors and understanding discounts
The bell is mandatory and must be heard from 50 metres away; check the diameter of its collar, which should be 22.2 mm near flat handlebar grips and 31.8 mm near the stem. A mirror is mounted on the left side in France, for overtaking. To read a discount on these accessories, compare the strikethrough price and the displayed price for the same quantity: the price may apply to a single item, a front and rear set or a lot, with some references marked as “x2” or “x20”. End-of-line items are available during clearance sales, and the new arrivals in the catalogue can be found in the new products.
Brands in the section
Ursus, an Italian manufacturer, produces its King kickstand in Italy, with the King Evo version rated for 40 kg, and the adjustable Wave kickstand, available in 18 or 40 mm fixing distance.
RRP, or Rapid Racer Products, was founded in the UK by downhill riders; its ProGuard moulded mudguards screw directly onto the fork, alongside the EnduroGuard and FatGuard for fatbikes.
Pletscher, a Swiss company, develops and manufactures its kickstands in Switzerland, including the Twin, which is double and folds away on one side, and the Comp, which folds up by itself.
Knog, a brand from Melbourne, has replaced the traditional bell ringer with a thin hollow ring that wraps around the handlebars: the Oi is available in Classic or Luxe finishes.
Zefal, a French accessory brand, offers the Shield mudguards, designed to fit on the seat post or a road bike, and the Espion mirrors, which can be mounted on the right or left.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bell required on all bikes?
Yes: as soon as it’s on the road, a bike must have one, including mountain bikes and racing bikes. A compact or ring bell integrates discreetly on a sport handlebar.
Which kickstand should I choose for an electric bike?
A kickstand that can support the weight of the bike, including the battery, and an compatible fixing with the frame, as the motor may occupy the usual space behind the bottom bracket. A double kickstand stabilises the bike better while loading it.
Clip-on mudguard or stay-mounted?
The clip-on type is for a sport bike that you equip for winter or rainy days. The stay-mounted mudguard, screwed onto the frame, offers more protection, covering the feet and the bike behind, and is suitable for daily use.
Which side should you mount a bike mirror on?
The left side in France, to keep an eye on overtaking vehicles. Choose a fixing that fits your handlebar, either at the end of the handlebars or on the collar, and adjust it while seated, in riding position.
When can I find mudguards and kickstands on sale?
Around Black Friday, which is set for the day after Thanksgiving, so on a Friday; on Vélo-Store, the discounts during this operation also apply for the rest of November. Before ordering, measure the width of your tyres and locate the fixing plate on your frame.
