Most 'ride-enhancing' accessories......

[Profpointy]

track pump - though it might appear a luxury item, makes a huge difference

shorts - whilst they are certainly "a good thing" by no means vital. Good saddle is far more crucial

Lights - yes

Mudguards - yes

Rucksack - wrong solution. Luggage should be on bike jot on you - panniers, saddle bag or bar bag depending on quantity of stuff. If you carry a laptop PC the definitiely panniers

cycle shoes and clippy pedals - yes

cycle computer - well Ok, but you dont need one really.

waterproofs - I'd say no and much prefer a windproof fleece style jacket which are somewhat water resistant, and don't really soak through as your bady heat keeps you dryish inside.

gloves -yes - and don't skimp on the winter ones.

puncture kit, tyre levers, spare tube(s) pump, multi tool - yes

water bottle - yes but not for 5 miles - that's just silly. A standard mineral water bottle fits my cages so no need to spend a fiver on one

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Not sure if it has already been posted as I am to lazy to read them all, but without doubt the most ride enhancing accessory is a track pump. Get your tyres to the correct pressure and the improvement in the ride is immense.

 

[potsy]

Not sure if it has already been posted as I am to lazy to read them all, but without doubt the most ride enhancing accessory is a track pump. Get your tyres to the correct pressure and the improvement in the ride is immense.

Saw somebody cycling with one of those sticking out of his rucksack the other week

 

[vickster]

Cake

 

[Hacienda71]

I think this has to be my next purchase before the nights draw in with my new commute. There are a few patches where I don't want to be hanging around trying to fix a flat - like Hulme and Wythenshawe.

You might get mugged by @potsy

 

[fossyant]

You might get mugged by @potsy

When he jumps out of his car ?

 

[Bodhbh]

Hrmm bike computer I wouldn't be bothered about for a commute particularly - you know the distance anyhow.

If the question is basically, "what keeps you commuting all year without getting out of bed every morning, looking out the window and going Oh f**k, I can't face this again". Then I'd make sure I had:

1. Warm clothes, with ability to keep at least the top half dry (I'm not bothered about the rest as long as it's warm, others might vary tho). Doesn't matter if it's cycling specific, whatever you get on with - as long as it's warm and drys easy.
2. Front and back lights + a backup of each - decent ones if in the country side.
3. Mudguards
4. Rack and pannier(s), tho plenty get on with rucksacks year round too.
5. iPoD with a bunch of audiobooks/music on, I think I'd go nuts over winter without something to take the mind off the weather when it's miserable.
6. A bike which is at least half fun to ride.

 

[MattDB]

Thanks very much everyone.

It was going to be a Felt Z85 and I don't think it has eyelets for a rack :-( what sort of bag would people go for as a second choice?

 

[Saluki]

Oh, come off it...it's a 20 minute commute. Who ever heard of anyone stopping on the way home after 5.5 gruelling miles?
Perhaps you could suggest a reasonable distance for his stop?
He'd be home before he knows it.

I wasn't suggesting that he stop for tea and cake, just a swig of water while riding along.

 

[Garethgas]

I wasn't suggesting that he stop for tea and cake, just a swig of water while riding along.

I know that
I was just pointing out (and exaggerating a bit) how absurd it is to need to drink water when you've only just left the house, and no water for 20 min.

 

[Saluki]

I know that
I was just pointing out (and exaggerating a bit) how absurd it is to need to drink water when you've only just left the house, and no water for 20 min.

Well that's OK then

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Saw somebody cycling with one of those sticking out of his rucksack the other week

Probably a sky ride leader: they all seem to carry one on rides!

 

[tiswas-steve]

A smile......... I'm such a hippy

 

[vickster]

Thanks very much everyone.

It was going to be a Felt Z85 and I don't think it has eyelets for a rack :-( what sort of bag would people go for as a second choice?

P clips to attach the rack or a beam rack

If you insist on a rucksack, Deuter are decent and not too expensive if you don't need anything too big and you shop around (as above I certainly wouldn't if carrying a laptop)

 

[Sharky]

I use the topeak rx beam rack and bags
http://www.topeak.com/products/BeamRack-RX
Just clamps to the seat post and the bag just slides and clicks into place.
The bag I use is the small one, with expanding side pockets. Just enough to carry a shirt and a few essentials with me and a few papers when I have to take work home. You can get bigger bags, but the more space you have, the more you carry and the more weight you carry.

Keith