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

[MattDB]

Hi,

About to purchase my first road bike, I decided to spend most of my budget on the bike (still only entry level) so wanted to spend wisely on some other bits of kit and just wondered what people's thoughts were on 'essentials'. I'm going to be commuting 11 miles round trip every day but a very steep hill lies between me and my sofa at the end of the day. I'll also be commuting through the whole of winter. I won't be getting high end stuff, will be shopping around and looking for sales but at the moment I'm thinking in the approximate order:

1. Shoes and pedals (bike comes with standard flat pedals)
2. Lights
3. Mudguards (to keep some of the salt and water off the bike)
4. Cycling shorts
5. Proper cycling rucksack
6. Cycle computer

I know this is very personal but just wondered what other people's thoughts are? What are you glad you bought or couldn't ride without?

Matt

 

[Saluki]

Gloves. I have mitts for the summer and Sealskinz waterproof jobbies for the cold weather.
Neoprene overshoes for the wet
Saddle bag to hold your tools and repair kit plus some jelly babies
Pump
cycling glasses to keep the road debris out of your eyes (muddy fox do a good set for about £15 from Argos with different lenses for different light)

Personally I hate rucksacks on a bike will a lightweight rack and pannier not be a better option to a sweaty back?

I used my phone rather than a cycling computer for ages until I could afford a garmin.

What bike are you getting?

 

[0lonerider]

waterproofs,punchure repair kit .multitool .pump

 

[Sharky]

Avoid rucksacks if possible. You don't want to carry weight on your back, when the bike can take the strain. Look for a bike rack or handlebar bag.

Lights- need minimum of two on the front and two on the back. You never know when one fades and having 2 is reassuring.

Reflective slap bands for the ankles. These really show up from the rear.

If you have a choice, you can get tyres with reflective side walls. Also very good, but do get dirty after a while.

A hi vis vest to go over the top of your normal jacket. Not a cheap one you carry in the car, but a proper fitting one. Acts as a good wind shield as well.

Over shoes to keep out the rain and a warm hat to go under your helmet for when it gets cold.

Do you need bike locks at the work place?

Finally, although you can ride in shorts thru the summer - never use in winter. Quickest way to damage your knees. Get some longs in rubaix material or equivalent.

Hope this helps

Keith

 

[potsy]

Assuming you are Starting from scratch then for me it would be

Inner tubes
Pump
Tyre levers
Lights
Guards
Saddle bag
Gloves


Once you get into winter you may need
extra clothing (buff, skullcap, thicker socks)
warmer gloves
Over shoes/ winter boots
More puncture resistant tyres

Nobody said cycling was cheap

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I know this is very personal but just wondered what other people's thoughts are? What are you glad you bought or couldn't ride without?

Couldn't ride without -
Clear glasses
Gloves
Water (I use a hydration pack)
Prefer not to -
Padded bib shorts
Tool bottle (enough stuff to repair a puncture)
Puncture resistant tyres (with reflecting sidewalls)

Buy good locks if you are leaving it anywhere you can't 100% trust.

 

[PK99]

Ride enhancing:

Commuting in the dark in winter... it has to be CO2 inflator.

nothing worse than struggling with a pump and cold hands in the dark!

Plus, if its a slow puncture, you can often get away with a couple of very quick top ups.

 

[Garethgas]

This is only 5.5 miles each way.
Everyone is different I know but shoes? Really?
I would just get a decent set of lights, waterproofs, a rack,some sort of bag (depending what you're going to carry), mudguards, multitool, puncture kit, tube, pump and a lock.
Everything else is just not needed for such a short 20 minute ride, especially as you're on a budget.
If you then find that you need gloves etc, buy them as the need arises.
The only thing I can't ride without is glasses because of the debris and bugs

 

[fossyant]

The right clothing is important. You'll need extra stuff for winter.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

The right clothing is important. You'll need extra stuff for winter.

But if you're enjoying it your wardrobe will slowly grow.

 

[Saluki]

Water bottle. It might only be 5.5 miles each way but you might find that you need some fluid, especially in hot weather.

 

[fossyant]

Ride enhancing:

Commuting in the dark in winter... it has to be CO2 inflator..

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.

 

[fossyant]

But if you're enjoying it your wardrobe will slowly grow.

True, but making sure you have some kit suitable for nasty weather is a good back up.

 

[Garethgas]

Water bottle. It might only be 5.5 miles each way but you might find that you need some fluid, especially in hot weather.

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.

 

[fossyant]

I always take water. Its a good idea in the morning to hydrate your body. No need to stop.