We can’t all afford to buy a brand new bike every summer, and most of us probably aren’t as skilled as the guy who made this awesome party bike (he’s from Portland — shocking!). But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck riding around a lame bike all summer long. Here are ten easy, mostly inexpensive ways you can add some fresh style, comfort and most importantly, fun to your ride.

1. Fresh bar tape

Obviously, your bike is going to need to look cool. Replacing the bar tape or grips is probably the cheapest and easiest way to make this happen. You can find bar tape in pretty much any color you can think of, probably for less than $15. Here’s a good video tutorial on replacing the bar tape on your bike.

2. New pedals

For summer, go with some plastic bmx pedals. They’re cheap ($10 to $30), come in fun colors, and they’re big, so they work well with flip flops — perfect for biking to and from the beach.

3. Upgraded saddle

I could go on and on about the different types of bike saddles, but here’s the bottom line: get a Brooks. They are expensive (around $100), but well worth the investment. It’s like the difference between sitting on La-Z Boy and a pile of rocks.

4. Speakers

Some of the greatest moments of my life involve biking around at 3AM, singing along to horrible Fall Out Boy songs with my friends. If you want to experience the greatness that is biking while jamming, you can buy speakers for your bike for under $30. Or follow this tutorial and make your own solar-powered milk crate bike stereo.

5. Multi-use bottle cage

Summer biking means you’ll need a bottle holder that can handle everything from a fancy water bottle, to a beer can, to a coffee cup, and everything in between. This Bontrager cage has flexible arms and will fit a better variety of shapes than your traditional metal cage. Or there’s also this one, which just holds a flask.

 6. Some sun protection

Avoid unsightly farmer’s tans by buying one of these ridiculous Uber Hood bike umbrellas ($59). Or you could probably make one yourself with an old umbrella and some duct tape.

7. Racks and Baskets

It can get really hot and sweaty riding around with a backpack in the summer. That’s why you should get yourself a bike rack and/or bike basket to haul your stuff around in. You can buy a decent rack for under $25, or fashion one yourself using things around your house. Also, here’s a good video tutorial for a DIY front basket.

8. A bike camera

Take it from me and don’t attempt to Instagram while biking. Instead, get a bike camera ($75 to $100) or camera mount (under $10) to capture those moments you don’t want to forget. Or here’s a way to make a sweet bike cam yourself.

9. A unique helmet

I still remember my dad trying to convince me that wearing a helmet was “cool” by buying me one that was designed to look like a baseball cap (sorry pops, I saw right through that one!). But there are actually some really fun options out there these days. Take this DIY R2D2 helmet, for example.

 10. A reliable lock

If you’re gonna spend all this time/money making your bike awesome, you need to make sure someone else doesn’t ride away with it when you’re not looking. Get a U-lock (OnGuard or Kryptonite brands are both great choices) and give yourself some peace of mind.

10 Ways to Pimp your (Bike) Ride

Safety doesn’t always translate into looking cool, but since being alive is way more awesome than the alternative, I try and act responsibly when riding my bike around town — even if my helmet totally clashes with my outfit. Thankfully, there are a lot of really amazing accessories out right now for nighttime riding to make me and my bike look superfly. (Though using the phrase “superfly” might negate any coolness points gained by my awesome reflective style.) Here’s a short list of 10 amazing pieces of glowing, shiny gear for you or your bike. Stay safe out there this summer!

1. Dargelos (Adeline Adeline, $138)

A lightweight reflective mesh vest that sort of looks like modern chainmail. I’m thinking there’s an epic Halloween costume in here somewhere.

2. Bike Wrappers (Bike Wrappers, $45)

Simple velcro wrappers go over the frame of your bike. They’re super reflective at night, but during the day they just give your bike a punch of personality with a wide variety of designs to choose from including stripes, polkadots, flowers, and a bevy of colors.

3. Racing Bicycle Tee (RelaxReflect, $56)

If this is too meta for you, there are plenty of other tees and athletic apparel with extremely reflective graphics. (My favorite are the running tights that say BADASS down the leg.)

4. Helmet Bow (Adeline Adeline, $16)

Heightens awareness of your adorableness. Available in six colors.

5. The Zulu (PureFix Cycles, $399)

If simply adding something reflective to your bike isn’t good enough, and entire glowing bike might satisfy your need for visibility.

6. Reflective Moustaches (RydeSafe, $4)

Perfect for your fixie, you dirty hipster.

7. Sash-Ay Scarf (Vespertine, $91)

Worn either as a scarf or a sash, a la Miss America, the horizontal stripes in this scarf/sash (scash?) reflect light in a très chic way.

8. Lflect Hat / Helmet Cover (Lost Values, $89)

Knit with reflective yarn and large enough to fit over a helmet, this beanie can be worn day or  night to keep you warm and visible. No helmet law in your state? At least protect your noggin with this slouchy reflective cap.

9. Monroe Reflective Penny Loafers (Cole Haan, $119)

Sorry, fellas. Only the ladies can rock these colorful, reflective penny loafers. Though, if you’ve got small feet, they’re probably worth trying on – a Nike Air sole makes ’em super comfy and there are eight colors (including understated black and grey) to choose from.

10. BikeGlow (BikeGlow, $25)

This colorful glowing strand runs on two AA batteries and keeps your bike visible and the vibe mellow – just like your college dorm room. Available in eight groovy colors.

10 Pieces of Safe and Stylish Bike Gear