K.i.t.t.

[liambauckham]

no not knight industries two thousand but Kit for my MTB commute, im looking for recommendations and advice.

im guessing mudguards are a necessity, lights are an obvious one and im thinking of just going with a waterproof jacket as opposed to the full gear.

do they make pannier racks for Y frames? the past couple of commutes ive worn a backpack which has made me sweat like a nonce.

any recommendations and or cheapo t'internet places where i could get said kit?

many thanks

 

[hackbike 6]

How far is your commute and is it on road off road or both?

 

[Perry]

I tried a pair of Peter Storm waterproof over trousers, nice cheap price at only £24.95

They are crap - Good things ain't cheap & cheap things ain't good.

Mudguards are good, panniers are handy - IMHO They ruin the look of the bike but they will make life so much easier.

If you have a locker at work I do recommend you have spare underware in case you do get soaked on your way to work.

A few other spare like tubes,lightweight tyre,patches ect.

If you don't have access to a shower baby wipes are handy too.

A coat hanger is also handy to air out your clothes before your ride home again.

 

[Mr Pig]

Fast puncture proof tyres like Specialized Nimbus Armadilo.

Power Grip pedal straps.

Riser bars, so you can look around more easily.

 

[liambauckham]

How far is your commute and is it on road off road or both?

12 mile each way over some run down busy roads

 

[Notsoblue]

Fast puncture proof tyres like Specialized Nimbus Armadilo.

Seconded. Nice tyres.

As for panniers, I have a pair of Ortlieb Rollers, I'd recommend them. However I rarely take them on the commute, I find the ride much more enjoyable with a backpack instead. I'm quicker, and far more nimble, even with a 6kg backpack (has a laptop *and* a D-Lock in it). Yes, you'll get a sweaty back, but if you can shower at work and you have a quick drying cycling top, this isn't an issue.

 

[palinurus]

they make pannier racks for Y frames? the past couple of commutes ive worn a backpack which has made me sweat like a nonce.

If a standard rack won't fit then you can get ones that clamp on the seatpost which will take panniers. They'll be fine for typical commuting loads.

I use a courier bag for my commute: less sweaty back than a rucksack, suits me because I use several different bikes that can't have racks fitted.

 

[palinurus]

thinking of just going with a waterproof jacket as opposed to the full gear.

I've done this for years, works fine for me even in winter.

Also find overshoes useful.