Accessories for my bike!

[Rivriv]

Hello guys!

Thought I would use Christmas coming as an excuse for other people to buy things for my bike! Looking for a few things so I am asking for your reccomendations.

1. Bottle cage for my Triban 3. Only looking for something simple, more interested about what colour people are using on their own Triban..?

2. Puncture repair kit. I want like a small one I can fit in my pocket / bag for emergency situations. Was looking at the this one... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-lever-patch-kit/ Is this any good? Any better ones on the market?

3. Are maintenance books handy? Was looking at this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1934030422/ref=pd_cp_b_0 but I'm not sure if they are useful? Or can I find out just as valid things on the internet or these forums? I'm pretty new to cycling (just in case you needed me to tell you)

Cheers guys! Feel free to chuck other ideas my way for things I may want to look at. I have lights and am in process of buying a pump or two!

 

[HovR]

1. I don't own a Triban, but red white or black, to match your other finishing kit (bar tape, saddle, tires etc) if you were to ask me!

2. Repair kits are much of a muchness in my opinion. The el-cheapo Halfords one I currently have works fine - The only thing that distinguishes them are the levers. Cheap ones snap, expensive ones don't. The best ones are actually metal reinforced underneath the plastic. I'd recommend getting a cheap patch kit and then buying quality levers separately.

3. For any bit of bike maintenance you want to do there will almost certainly be a video tutorial on YouTube. The book may be helpful to have in the garage with you, and that particular book is well recommended, but it's not completely necessary.

You might also consider getting some quality warm cycling kit if you don't own some already (or kit in preparation for the summer?).

Hope that helps!

 

[derrick]

Cycling clothing.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

forget puncture repair kit and take a spare inner tube and good tyre levers in a small under saddle bag along with your pump. For my Triban it had to be a black bottle cage to match pedals.wheels bars etc.

 

[Rivriv]

All good cheers! I have a repair kit from Halfords which is doing the job, just seeing if anything small and nimble was about that did the job, but think I will stick to what I know. What about saddle bags? Any reccomendations on these?

Also, what cycle gear would be good to look at buying first? This is a sort of after Christmas job, I'm chugging along in warm jumpers and trousers through winter (not really focusing on speed right now).

 

[musa]

Buy inner tubes have tyre levers (not metals one) have some rubber/surgical gloves and a mutlitool set. In a Topeak saddlebag (that's what I use). Keep the puncture kit for the home to repair tubes when you have a collection

Clothing is not to do with speed but more with comfort and not getting saddle sores

 

[HovR]

Also, what cycle gear would be good to look at buying first? This is a sort of after Christmas job, I'm chugging along in warm jumpers and trousers through winter (not really focusing on speed right now).

If I were you I'd be looking to buy in at least one winter cycling outfit. Start with a pair of padded longs (tights/trousers variety that only go up to the waist, or bib variety that also go over the shoulders).

Then a collection of upper body layers - a base layer such as Under Armour or something merino, mid layer such as a regular cycling jersey, and then windproof outer layer will see you through most of the cold conditions we get!

Warm/windproof gloves are also important if you have none already, and can make a good relatively inexpensive Christmas gift (some cycle clothing can get expensive).

You say you're not really focusing on speed right now, but cycle specific clothing is not just about aerodynamics and speed, it is so much more comfortable than regular clothes, especially during longer distance rides. Try it and you won't want to ride in regular clothes again!

 

[defy-one]

Buy inner tubes have tyre levers (not metals one) have some rubber/surgical gloves and a mutlitool set. In a Topeak saddlebag (that's what I use). Keep the puncture kit for the home to repair tubes when you have a collection

Clothing is not to do with speed but more with comfort and not getting saddle sores

This

 

[Rivriv]

Really appreciating the help guys. What size saddle bag do you use? And inner tubes? What size for the T3? Sorry for so many questions. I'm sure I will repay people in the future when I am full of knowledge!

 

[vickster]

You need 700c inner tubes for 23mm tyres presumably? Cyclesurgery have 3 Specialized ones for a tenner

Saddle bag size, depends how much stuff you carry, Specialized Wedge or Topeak equivalent decent - Smartphones take up a load of space

 

[HovR]

Smartphones take up a load of space

I put my phone in an Over-Board case in my jersey pocket. It's completely waterproof so great for cycling if you get caught out in a downpour - And your phone is still 100% functional inside the case.

Excellent product that I'd recommend!