Help me build up my kit/spend my money...

[Alexvs]

Hi,

I've been reading the forum for a few weeks now trying to get my head round everything and am still unclear on what's good when looking for kit and accessories so am turning to you.

I ride a Giant Rapid 4 and looking for accessories to complement it. I'm going with the slowly but surely root of building up my kit. I've got my lycra sorted and sunglasses on order so am now putting together a wishlist of bits which is where I need help.

Item - ideal price range - what I've looked at so far (recommendations needed)

Cycle computer - £30-40 - Unsure just need avg/max speed, distance, time, auto start/stop
SPD Shoes - £50-60 - Shimano M077 or Diadora X Country 2
SPD pedals with cleats - £25-40 - Shimano M530 MTB pedals or A530 Road/Touring SPD pedals
Mudguards - £20-30 - Crud racer Mk2

Any recommendations and help on the above items would be greatly appreciated.

Also how much, if possible, would it be to convert my flat bars to drop?

Thanks

Alex

 

[xxmimixx]

Come and pick me up in the morning I'll help you spend your money
We need to get saddle bag/bag for repair kit/inner tube, lights, pump, gloves....

 

[baldycyclist]

dont forget lights - many varieties but I got some little mini lights from wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-mini-rear-light/ that go nicely on my rear stays - flashing away to compliment my main rear light

 

[slowmotion]

Computer: Cateye Strada Wireless, shop around. It's always been bombproof for me.

Pedals: Shimano M520. About £20. If you go for MTB SPD pedals, this one is perfectly adequate.

SPD shoes: It doesn't matter. Get the cheapest ones that fit. Lidl do some, as do Aldi. Just make sure that they are comfortable. Do not attempt to buy them on-line. Bike shoe manufacturers live on another planet from normal shoe ones as regards sizing.

Well, that doesn't even scratch the surface! Waterproof jacket, overtrousers, track mitts, wintergloves. Maybe a helmet. A buff for cold weather. Some Long-johns and a thermal vest. Road and trackpump. Multi-tool. A more comfortable saddle. Panniers and rack. Baggy shorts. Expensive lights, re-chargeable batteries, and a good charger. Wedgie bag. Spare tubes and repair kit. Tyre levers, chain tool and a quick link. Cycle jersey.

Then the rot sets in...you splurge on a new road bike and a terrible lycra lust grips you.

Abandon hope, my friend. Your bank manager certainly will....

Edit: I forgot. SKS Chromoplastic mudguards are really good. A bit of a fiddle to fit first time though. YouTube might have helpful videos.

BTW, tough commuting tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Plus

 

[Zee]

http://www.bikesyoulike.co.uk/product/2766/Cateye_Strada_Wireless_Cycle_Computer

Cheapest Strada Wireless computer I've seen anywhere. The big chains have it for 49.99. So support the little guy and also save some money. Win win.

(Their Cateye lights are well priced too)

 

[upsidedown]

+1 for the M520 pedals. Mine have done thousands of all weather miles with just the odd spray of wd40.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

The A530 pedals are good, use them on my commuter, mainly just with trainers.

You'll need expert help (which isn't me) on whether drops would work, or be cost effective, on your bike. The geometry might not be right for a conversion. If not what about picking up a cheapy bike with drops, they are about - classifieds, garage sales, car boots, etc.

 

[Alexvs]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far and the offer xxmimixx lol. I should've said I had a few bits already, it was really what was on the list that I'm looking at this month/payday. I've budgeted £100 a month to use as my cycling/treat fund and I'm one of those, if it's there it's getting spent.

What I've got: Compression top, winter gloves, a few tops and shorts, second pair of regular gloves for warmer cycling, set of lights, Endura packajak for thin outer layer, helmet, chain lock, pump and sunglasses on route.

From the above, I'll need to get better everday gloves and much better front light as mine is more of a you can see me, I probably can't see you light.

So now my list has grown somewhat which I was expecting but for now will focus on the list above and ask for help with the other bits when I come to them

Computer: Thanks Slowmotion and Zee the Strada looks good and great price from there.

Shoes: I did look at the aldi and lidl ones but really didn't like them so thought I'd spend a bit more on that area and after looking at the Diadora's they're retailing at about £110 in most shops but on absolutecycles (ebay) they're £60 which seems a bargain. Will definitely go into shops for fitting. Anyone got either of the pair's I've looked at listed in OP or recommendations for others?

Pedals: The M520's really get great reviews from what I've read, anyone know if the 530's are any different/better? There's only a few £'s between them just wondering if there's any benefit? Like the A530's too due to their single sided clip in and other flat for normal popping round the corner rides with trainers.

Mudguards: Will take a look at the SKS too thanks.

Thanks again for help so far

 

[cyberknight]

Just send me a cheque and your money is spent

For converting to flats you are going to need new shifters, stem, handlebars , maybe brakes dependent on what you bike has, cables if the length is different.
Might be easier to buy a triban 3 from decathlon as you then have a choice and save a lot of hassle .

 

[Alexvs]

Haha I was waiting for someone to say it lol

Thanks for that, thought it was worth asking but will just use this bike to get my fitness up and then once paid off (got through my cycle to work scheme) I'll change up to a full on roadie with drops.

 

[Willo]

I have A530 pedals on my road bike and they're fine (although has to be said that i hardly ever use the flat side).

Re shoes, while I don't advocate spending more than necessary, I don't think it's something to scrimp on. As has been said, find a store that stocks a good variety and try on a few. I really struggled to find a comfy fit (most being too narrow). As a consequence, I went over budget with a pair of Sidis. However, I've been grateful for the comfort ever since as I've got into riding longer distances. Shoes after all are the interface between your effort and the bike.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Just send me a cheque and your money is spent

For converting to flats you are going to need new shifters, stem, handlebars , maybe brakes dependent on what you bike has, cables if the length is different.
Might be easier to buy a triban 3 from decathlon as you then have a choice and save a lot of hassle .

Hello again Alex.

I hope the commute through MK is going well.

I did the conversion to drops on the 2010 version and it worked perfectly although if it wasn't for the fact that mine was a birthday present from the kids, I would have saved myself the hassle and bought another bike.

As for kit, a decent winter jacket, good gloves and overshoes kept me going through winter last year.

I have m520 pedals and shimano m140s . You need to try before you buy though s the previous post about sizing is spot on.

 

[Alexvs]

I nearly bought the M520's and Cat Eye Strada computer from Ribble Cycles last night but then they didn't have any stock of the pedals which sucks as would've got them for just over £18 as spending over £35. There's some good prices on Ribble but their stock levels seem extremely poor.

Hi mate, I'm actually loving the commute now as the times have started dropping so makes me feel better. I've also found a pretty quiet road for practice sessions so been doing some runs up and down there recently just to get used to road cycling. How much roughly did the conversion set you back if you don't mind me asking? I've only had the bike just over 2 months so can't really get a new one just yet. If it's not worth it I'll stick to how it is for now and save up for the next toy

I'm popping out tomorrow so will go try a few sets on at Evans and get an idea of fitting.

Thanks

 

[uphillstruggler]

Hello Alex

the conversion cost me:

£60 for shifters and handlebars from a chap on here although the bars were too narrow so i bought some others from a planex x (i think) sale for a tenner. Gave the other bars to a mate who was looking for some for a project.

new cables and outers £6 or £7 quid.

New giant bar tape (avoid white) £10

bought some in line barrel adjusters £9 (can get these much cheaper on line) although i dont need them as the conversion worked really well but i will fit them soon to take out the cable stretch.

i think thats it.

it was definately worth it.

 

[slowmotion]

Alex,

Look on ebay for the pedals. You can get them for under £15 inc postage.

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item43a9fb82ff

EDIT: Look out, they don't come with cleats!