5 non-essentials that make life easier

[Easytigers]

Hi there,
I've been cycling for a little while now and love it...not only the riding but the gadgets too! Just wanted to know what people rate as the 5 pieces of kit that either make life easier or get those wheels turning a bit quicker. I guess my selection is:
1. Clipless pedals
2. Camelbak
3. Ipod shuffle (only for tracks and trails!)
4. Track pump
5. Cycle computer

Let me know what you think...hopefully it'll give me an excuse to put together a shopping list!
Russ

 

[wiggydiggy]

1) Saddle Bag - Only a small one but gets all I need into it
2) Computer - Do like to see how far I've gone, speed etc
3) Mudguards - Essential in the winter
4) Gloves - Dont know how I managed without them
5) Good shoes - Not clips, just a nice pair of walking shoes suitable for cycling i can leave on when I arrive

 

[tyred]

1. Brooks Saddles - oh so comfortable

2. Mudguards - keeps me clean

3. Saddle bag - useful for carrying things

4. Gloves - comfortable and should I fall off, I won't have to pick lumps of gravel out of my hands for a fortnight

5. Dynamo lights - fit and forget. would never go back to batteries.

 

[Easytigers]

Thanks for suggestions. Like the idea of dynamo lights but are they heavy and difficult to fit? Some things for the shopping list already!

 

[Bicycle]

Hi there,
I've been cycling for a little while now and love it...not only the riding but the gadgets too! Just wanted to know what people rate as the 5 pieces of kit that either make life easier or get those wheels turning a bit quicker. I guess my selection is:
1. Clipless pedals
2. Camelbak
3. Ipod shuffle (only for tracks and trails!)
4. Track pump
5. Cycle computer

Let me know what you think...hopefully it'll give me an excuse to put together a shopping list!
Russ

Bizarrely, I think I'd pick the same five.

Clipless pedals and Ergo shifters are the two massive improvements in cycling in the last 25 years.

I rarely use a Camelbak, but when I do I love it.

My iPod is a guilty pleasure - my children think it dangerous... but I do like music.

Track pumps, I think, are essential - even though in truth they're not.

Computers allow one to get OCD-ish about the most trivial things.

 

[LosingFocus]

1. Padded shorts - was a revolution to me when I put them on.
2. Glasses with interchangeable lenses - You'd be amazed at how often you use the "clear" lens
3. Gloves - as above
4. "Runtastic/Biketastic" iPhone/Blackberry app - I get distracted by a mounted computer and get all prissy about my current speed, time etc. This is great as its in my pocket and records everything.
5. A nice, old fashion, big OS map to work out routes on.

 

[lesley_x]

1) A good base layer
2) Gloves
3) Arm/leg warmers
4) iPhone mount allows me to use my phone as a cycling computer/cyclemeter app
5) Padded shorts

 

[Brandane]

If we're talking about advances in cycle technology from when "some" of us started out; then......

1. Lightweight frames (aluminium in my case).
2. Brakes that work.
3. Wireless cycle computers.
4. Indexed derailleur gears.
5. Puncture resistant tyres.

Could also add breathable waterproof clothing, allen headed fasteners, quick release hubs.

 

[Globalti]

1 - Padded shorts.

2 - Padded mitts.

3 - Buff.

4 - Computer.

5 - Energy powder.

 

[chillyuk]

1) Wife to wash my kit

2) Wife to mix my drinks

3) Wife to make my sarnies for a longer ride

4) Wife to make me a cuppa when I get home

5) Wife, a wonderful lady who always knows where I left that tool last time I used it.

 

[Nebulous]

1. Bananas

2. clipless shoes / pedals

3. Heart Rate Monitor

4. Mitts

5. Padded lycra - bibshorts / shorts / tights all have their place.

 

[LosingFocus]

Oh yeah, I forgot #6.

6. Chilly's wife.

 

[tyred]

Thanks for suggestions. Like the idea of dynamo lights but are they heavy and difficult to fit? Some things for the shopping list already!

Not really heavy, no batteries remember. Bottle dynamos are easy to fit and are quite inexpensive (my favourite is the Axa HR traction), a hub dynamo is better but will require a rebuilt wheel and will be a lot more expensive. Modern lights usually have some sort of standlight function so the lights will stay on (usually at half power) when stopped at a junction, thus curing the biggest bugbear of older dynamo systems.

 

[Bicycle]

5) Wife, a wonderful lady who always knows where I left that tool last time I used it.

You have to use the tools yourself?

Can't she even fix your bike for you?

That would make me so cross!

 

[lulubel]

Track pumps, I think, are essential - even though in truth they're not.

Definitely essential for me. I couldn't get 110psi in my tyres without one.