Bought a bike... Now what?

[JaggyNI]

I know there are plenty of topics there telling you what extras you need such as spare tubes, saddle bags etc but my question is, where is the best place online to buy these things?

Cheers!

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[Tompinder]

What sort of bike have you bought?

 

[Nosaj]

Bought a bike now what? - well you get out and ride it!

As to your actual question I use wiggle I have no opinion as to whether it is the best online shop ever but delivery is very prompt, there is a vast array of cycling bits and if you are a member of CTC you can access it and get another 12.50% off.

Evans, cycle surgery etc also has online ordering.

For some things though I like to hold the product in my hand and look at it. Clothing for example for me I feel it best to try it for fit first and you won't be able to do that online. What looks pretty in a picture can look different when you attach the thing to the bike or yourself!

And please expand on what you have bought!

 

[JaggyNI]

Sorry I should've specified that! Typed it up in a bit of a hurry. It's a roadie, BTwin Triban 3.

Edit: oh and I've already been out on it today in the glorious Belfast weather (not!). Loved it!

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[Tompinder]

I buy most of my bike stuff from wiggle. It has free delivery, very easy to return stuff and as Nosaj says, as a CTC member you get 12.5% discount on almost everything.
Tredz is another good store, their supply is a lot more limited than wiggle but if they have it, it's often cheaper (particularly for cleaning products).
Planet X is very good for tyres and wheels. I almost always buy tyres from there as they are nearly always the cheapest place to go.
Other places i've bought from and would recommend are:
Evans Cycles
ChainReactionCycles

Hope you're enjoying the new bike, nothing like riding a new bike for the first time!!

 

[smokeysmoo]

My advice would to develop a relationship with an LBS. Online is great for loads of things, and God knows I've spent tonnes buying this way, (and still do ), but when you're up $hit creek on a weekend, or you find you need something for that important ride the next day, then a strong LBS relationship is worth it's weight in gold.

Most of them now realise they have to compete so their prices are usually there or there abouts, but sometimes price is not the be all and end all. You cannot put a price on their, (usually) years of experience and the wealth of advice that a good one is happy to stand and offer

 

[172traindriver]

Chain Reaction Cycles up in the good old North of Ireland (your part of the world) are another good supplier of virtually anything cycling related and supply without delivery costs.
As for basics, saddle bag, couple of spare tubes, tyre levers, pump would be essentials. At least one drinks bottle, and then think of practical clothing bearing in mind as you put it our possible glorious (ever changing) weather.
Then get out and enjoy!

 

[JaggyNI]

Thanks for all the help guys, really appreciate it! I've looked at that Chain Reaction Cycles site and looks great. Could be very dangerous with my debit card at the ready... end up spending more on accessories than I have on the bike haha!

Edit: What type of spare tubes do I need? I'm completely new to any sort of road cycling and a bit clueless to be honest, cheers!

 

[PpPete]

you'll want a 700c tube (also known as 622 - somewhat confusingly) - different manufacturers offer different "widths" 18-25 is typical, 20 - 28 would also fit. my favourite is the Schwalbe SV15 tube. Merlin are about the cheapest online supplier of those if you sign up to their "VIP" program, but some of their other prices are not competitive with Wiggle/CRC/Ribble/SJS/Rosebikes/Planet-X.

 

[uphillstruggler]

i would image the Triban 3 has 700 x 23/25c tyres, if its new, check the spec, that should tell you, other than that, have a look at the side wall on the tyre

enjoy your new bike - lots of people rate them on this site

 

[172traindriver]

Thanks for all the help guys, really appreciate it! I've looked at that Chain Reaction Cycles site and looks great. Could be very dangerous with my debit card at the ready... end up spending more on accessories than I have on the bike haha!

Edit: What type of spare tubes do I need? I'm completely new to any sort of road cycling and a bit clueless to be honest, cheers!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18908

I use these Jaggy, others will obviously voice their own opinions etc. They serve me fine, by the way you will need 700c x 18-25 Presta valves if it is a road bike you say you have got. The 42mm valve length is fine, the longer ones are for deeper sectioned rims.
Wiggle are doing an offer of 5 for £21.21 and often Ribble Cycles do multiple offers (there is another site to check out).
Also when the puncture fairy strikes, keep your inner tube and repair it, most times you can, occasionally it is totally scrap. Nothing like sitting in the warm on a cold winters night fixing inner tubes.................gives you a warm feeling ha ha.
Honestly for a few moments it can save you good money in the long run.

 

[JaggyNI]

Brilliant - once again thanks for all the help lads, these forums have been great for a newbie!

 

[Part time cyclist]

High on bikes are good for a lot of things they also offer free uk delivery and normally deliver next day, keep enjoying the new bike, you will find it very addictive I get fidgety if I can't get out on mine for whatever reason.

 

[LarryDuff]

I got a triban 3 from the shop in Hollywood in January. Also got spare inner tubes there, water bottle, lights and a computer thingy to tell me how fast and how far I've gone.

I was in the chainreactioncycles shop on the Boucher road and I have to say I thought it looked pretty dear.