Cycling Gear

[RyanB98]

I bought a Trek 1.1C 2016 a few months ago and have loved riding it for short rides but my intention was always to go for long distance rides in the country and improve as a cyclist. I didnt have the money to buy much after I bought the bike but now I have the money, I want to buy some gear. However I dont know what gear to buy and was hoping you could recommend some. My bike is stock from the shop and has no modifications. Im hoping to buy some cycling shorts, cycling top, saddle bag, maybe some lights for early morning rides. I currently only have a helmet so if you can recommend anything else, it would be highly appreciated
Also would changing my pedals to clip-ins instead of the strap in's be better?

 

[13 rider]

Spare inner tubes x2
Tyre levers
Pump
Multi tool
Cable ties for bodging
Water bottle and cage
As for the pedals I personally prefer clipless but nothing wrong with flats or toe clips. I believe the difference is minimal and more to do with personal choice

 

[mjr]

As above. Get a multi tool which includes a chain tool and add a quick/power/magic link of the right variety for your bike. Pumps that connect with a short hose are better than those which clip on, check that it can do high enough pressure for you and I'd also get a floor pump for the shed/garage.

 

[mjr]

Also, I'd get a glue+patch kit to repair damaged inner tubes at home. Cheaper than buying new and less of a lottery.

I like those saddle bags that expand, like the Revolution ones.

 

[RyanB98]

Can you recommend any multitools as I dont know what I should look for? Ive been researching the essential tools it needs but struggling to find a good one.

 

[Sharky]

Just explore your bike and look for any nuts and bolts. You'll probably find that you just need a couple of Allen keys, maybe a small screwdriver in addition to tyre levers and puncture repair kits. Carry as little as possible, you'll always get home somehow.

 

[MichaelW2]

Clothing for winter doesnt have to be so bike specific. You dont need cycling jersies, any wicking t shirt and thin fleece pullover will do the job. Good breathable shell layers are useful. Get a windproof one and another waterproof for rain, in bright colours with all round reflective material.
You can wear unpadded leggings over padded bike shorts for longer rides. Padded longs need to be washed after every ride.
For extremities, consider neck buff, sealskinz socks. Carry a warm hat to use during stops. A sleeveless light padded gillet is good for emergency insulation and fine tuning; you can wearone undrneathor on top of your shell.

You need clipless pedals for racing but for general riding they are not essential.

 

[cyberknight]

Can you recommend any multitools as I dont know what I should look for? Ive been researching the essential tools it needs but struggling to find a good one.

I carry this on my rides, has 2 tyre levers
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-hexus-ii-16-function-multi-tool/
I use their essential shorts for commutes and even longer rides and find them very good , i personally prefer bib tights but they also do standard ones

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wiggle-essentials-cycle-short/
I carry this pump on the bike and have a track pump t home to keep the tyres pumped up properly .
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-pocket-rocket-pump/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-essential-track-pump/
Base layers i use these , £6
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-short-sleeve-cycling-base-layer-white-id_8353888.html

 

[cyberknight]

For maintaining the bike at home i bought a tool kit from aldi when it was on offer, found one on ebay a bit dearer than i paid in store , does the job for the home mechanic.Are the tools shop quality ? i doubt it but im not changing cranks , bottom brackets etc on a daily basis .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Hand...515643?hash=item51ef61cf3b:g:o5oAAOSwNphWbstb

 

[cyberknight]

Clipless pedals are a well debated topic on CC , some say that road style are better with the big cleat on the outside of the shoe , some say none and others like MTB style with the recessed cleat thats easier to walk in .
I am in the latter as i have a fair distance to walk on my commute , if in doubt you could always buy second hand off ebay and try before you decide if you like them, a number of riders in my club use mtb style and its not holding them back .
You can get m520 pedals for £20 or cheaper and shoes cheap enough if you want to try it

 

[vickster]

Gloves for winter, mitts for summer

 

[Racing roadkill]

If I'm on a longer ride, I take a saddle bag with 2 spare tubes, gas inflator with spare canisters, a puncture repair kit, tyre levers, a multi tool, a quick link, a tool chain, and a cuddly toy. In my Jersey pockets I stuff a bag of Basset's Jelly babies ( Basset's are important due to their salt content, no other jelly babies have 'Isotonic' jelly in them) I take a bottle with a drink tab in it. Then off I go.

 

[RyanB98]

Can you help me with the saddle bag. Ive been looking at the small "Topeak Aero Wedge Strap Mount Seat Pack" with the strap attachment which has the dimensions: 7.1x17.8x10.9cm, 0.66L, 105g. Would this be sufficient for the usual stuff and would it look tidy under the seat?

 

[13 rider]

Can you help me with the saddle bag. Ive been looking at the small "Topeak Aero Wedge Strap Mount Seat Pack" with the strap attachment which has the dimensions: 7.1x17.8x10.9cm, 0.66L, 105g. Would this be sufficient for the usual stuff and would it look tidy under the seat?

Sounds about right but hard to judge what will fit in without seeing it in real life . If you can visit a shop and try it for size .2 tubes take up the most room .Pump wouldn't fit I personally carry that in back pocket but you can also get fitting to go on a bottle cage to have it on the bike.

 

[DRM]

Can you help me with the saddle bag. Ive been looking at the small "Topeak Aero Wedge Strap Mount Seat Pack" with the strap attachment which has the dimensions: 7.1x17.8x10.9cm, 0.66L, 105g. Would this be sufficient for the usual stuff and would it look tidy under the seat?

Have a look at the Lezyne loaded caddy, I have one on my winter bike, for the money you can't go wrong, just needs a spare tube putting in
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lezyne-loaded-caddy-medium/rp-prod89084
I also bought one of these at the same time, after struggling with various cheap pumps
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lezyne-pressure-drive-mini-pump/rp-prod24666
Lezyne also supply spare pump mounting brackets for £5 when N+1 puts in an appearance.