5 essentials for new cyclists

[HMS_Dave]

Are you a naked rider???😶

No, Lord no....

I ride with denim jeans, a jumper and some boots on. I don't know what pickle juice is (other than what my jar of pickled onions has in it) but I can't see that being essential...

 

[rockyroller]

The article argues that anyone who has fallen will understand to use gloves

& when falling, one doesn't want to put a hand out anyway. but then, I'm not a pro faller, just an amateur

 

[rockyroller]

A thick skin.

especially if you're a commuter

 

[Dogtrousers]

I cycled about 5,000 miles last year without helmet, specific cycling shoes, without padded shorts, without GPS, video camera or electrolyte tablets.

I wish people would stop saying you need these things as it makes cycling appear complicated, expensive and dangerous to potential newcomers.

To be fair to the article in question, it isn't suggesting that padded shorts, GPS, video camera or electrolyte tablets are necessary.
Edit: I didn't read the whole article, did I? Doh!

I nearly always wear gloves for cycling. Fingerless in summer, full finger in winter. But I've never fallen off and had them save me so I'm not too fussed on the occasions that I forget/lose them.

I wear multi-purpose shoes that work OK on my clipless pedals and on flats. I wear specs anyway.

The only really silly one is "cycling socks", and the author is aware that it's silly. Personally I've got my cycling socks free with the glossy Tour de France magazine for the past few years.

One thing I would add is, in summer, some high factor sun cream.

And don't mention the hats.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

More like 5 non essential wiffly waffly items

 

[figbat]

A helmet — I don’t ride anywhere without one. It’s not just good for protecting you in a fall — it also keeps the sun off your head and protects you from branches, bees and all sorts of other stuff that can whack you. I’m serious about bees; you wouldn’t believe how many bees have donked off my helmet.

I’m not sure I can ever recall a bee hitting my helmet, although I imagine it has happened. However I’ve lost count of the times I have had to whip my helmet off tout de suite to release a bee or wasp that has flown in there. I’m not using this as an excuse for not wearing them, as I do religiously, but as a reason for wearing them it’s a bit of a stretch.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Is asks for essentials

so the only post I agree with is the one that just says "a bike"
Since I started riding bikes on roads I have been cycling in jeans (mostly), some sort of top (t-shirt in summer, shirt plus jumper when colder, coat in winter) and trainers on my feet.
I have worn work shoes on my feet when I used to commute - but that had to include a cleaning sponge to be used when I got to work.

From there a lot of other things should start to be advisable - but you only really need some kind of bike

so - to be sensible - the question becomes what things should you get/do next??
I would suggest a few checks first - safety at the top
so - check the tyres are in decent condition? - and check if anything critical is likely to break
and - on the same note - you MAY want to consider a helmet. I would say it is only really necessary if you are in a position of influence. I used to work part time in a Primary School - so leaving at lunchtime and wheeling my bike through the playground full of kids with no helmet was morally not really taking the high ground

Next - make sure the bike is rolling reasonably efficiently - the chain, gears and bearing need to be checked - there are good videos on the WWW - or by a LBS - bear in mind you may well need to get specialised tools to deal with these - so the LBS may be the better initial choice

after that a puncture repair kit and knowledge to use it would be a good idea


Oh - and motivation is a good idea - on which point a map helps and you can look up interesting places to ride which helps motivation

 

[Ian H]

I do actually own a helmet. It gets dusted off for track days (so it's very dusty at the mo). Last time I raced (as distinct from time-trialling) I wore a hairnet — I still have it somewhere — shows you how long ago it was.

 

[Tripster]

Padded shorts for long rides just because I personally find them more comfortable.
shoes and clipless more solid connection to pedal but just flats on MTB
Helmet ? First time ever on road bike because my wife said it sets an example to my son who I make wear one. Fair enough
Gloves-No
GPS- yes because my phone is a company phone so cannot risk getting it damaged and dont want to ride and have work calling me. I like the route creation too.

Helmet is a personal thing and personal preference.I cycled in Italy and the lads I worked with where pissed to say the least when I didnt have one on. It felt odd as everyone out and about had one.

 

[fossyant]

A thick skin.

Especially when you slide down the road in just lycra shorts and top, and no gloves. Picking gravel out of my hand was minor compared to shredded shorts and a big road rash burn 6" by 6" on my ass. I had to ride 15 miles home with my bright red butt cheak sticking out. My did that sting. Lost all the hair off that part of my bum.

Still managed to meet my mates in the pub that night, but wearing trackies - couldn't get into decent pants with all the bandages.

 

[Reynard]

Especially when you slide down the road in just lycra shorts and top, and no gloves. Picking gravel out of my hand was minor compared to shredded shorts and a big road rash burn 6" by 6" on my ass. I had to ride 1 miles home with my bright red butt cheak sticking out. My did that sting. Lost all the hair off that part of my bum.

Still managed to meet my mates in the pub that night, but wearing trackies - couldn't get into decent pants with all the bandages.

I've done that, but it was my knees, not my butt... Wearing jeans was... challenging... to say the least...

 

[figbat]

I always wear gloves. All bikes, all weathers. It’s like a habit now, I feel naked without them. Sometimes it’s for warmth, sometimes for padding - I’ve never thought about it for abrasion protection.

 

[Brandane]

I started reading the article in the OP's link, until I got to the predictable "H" word being listed as an essential. That was the point at which I exited the article. The only essential item is a bike. Of note is the nonsense that a helmet protects the rider from bees. WTF? They're still going to hit your face. A helmet if anything, is going to trap them and make them (or wasps) angry, and they are then going to sting the hell out of your head. Rather than bounce off an un-helmeted head. Please stop writing nonsense about helmets!!!!!

 

[fossyant]

Edited it was 15 miles home, not 1. Gloves now. Extra padding on road bike, and general abrasion protection on MTB.

 

[mudsticks]

For me gloves (fingered and fingerless) give some padding to dampen road vibration, and also (mainly fingerless) stop my hands slipping on the bars when sweating - which doesn't take much if you are working hard, say uphill, especially in warm weather.

This is why I wear gloves over any distance, protection from gravel rash is secondary.

Sounds like the OPs gloves are too small if they're cutting off his circulation.

I rarely spend much on gloves as I know I will lose them at some point.

Mid range, of reasonable construction are fine - i couldn't say what brand I'm sporting right now, but they do the job