potsy
Rambler
- Location
- My Armchair
Helmet cam 
New Commuter: Equipment Advice
- Thread starter aces_up1504
- Start date
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fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Take a trip to Aldi NEXT Thursday.
Worth picking up base layers, gloves, soft shell jacket, socks etc.
Worth picking up base layers, gloves, soft shell jacket, socks etc.
Just made the mistake of checking their site - I'm going to be spending a fortune!!!
One question though....what would be better to buy, their merino baselayer or compression baselayer?
Please don't say both
Base layer, merino content
Wobblers
Euthermic
- Location
- Minkowski Space
Just made the mistake of checking their site - I'm going to be spending a fortune!!!
One question though....what would be better to buy, their merino baselayer or compression baselayer?
Please don't say both
Both....
Seriously, though, the merino baselayer will actually function perfectly well as a midlayer over a compression baselayer - that's what I usually do on cold days.
aces_up1504
Well-Known Member
Thanks. I will wait now.
I already have plenty of base layers but will pick up some of the other stuff!
aces_up1504
Well-Known Member
Although it mainly Urban, there is some part of the route which is rural. So need a front light which will light up the road. Any recommendations?
Boris Bajic
Guest
7 miles each way is about the threshold for getting changed after the ride.
If you have access to a locker and good showers at work, everything is MUCH easier. Also, somewhere to dry your clobber while you work.
3/4 leggings are great. They will be fine in most English weather. Each person has their own internal thermostat settings and you will quickly learn when you want long sleeves and when your ears freeze.
I was never very impressed by rain capes and so on unless it was really TIPPING down. I got just as wet from sweat and it was smellier.
I'd spend the least you can get away with and buy new items as they occur to you. Some things may be best duplicated.
A gilet is REMARKABLE at keeping the chill off your chest on a day when the wind is like an open razor.
I never ride without gloves and sunglasses. I use full-fingered gloves on only about three days a year. Normal cycling gloves are fine most days.
Hi-Viz is not my thing, but I like to wear bright colours and be illuminated and visible.
If you have access to a locker and good showers at work, everything is MUCH easier. Also, somewhere to dry your clobber while you work.
3/4 leggings are great. They will be fine in most English weather. Each person has their own internal thermostat settings and you will quickly learn when you want long sleeves and when your ears freeze.
I was never very impressed by rain capes and so on unless it was really TIPPING down. I got just as wet from sweat and it was smellier.
I'd spend the least you can get away with and buy new items as they occur to you. Some things may be best duplicated.
A gilet is REMARKABLE at keeping the chill off your chest on a day when the wind is like an open razor.
I never ride without gloves and sunglasses. I use full-fingered gloves on only about three days a year. Normal cycling gloves are fine most days.
Hi-Viz is not my thing, but I like to wear bright colours and be illuminated and visible.
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
What do I take with me when commuting? Everything but the kitchen sink!
One the bike:
1 Cree T6 front light
1 Cateye EL-340RC
1 Cateye HL-130 and TL-130 set
1 Cateye TL-610
2 Cateye HL-170 and TL170 sets (just got them today. I will be doing a review this evening)
Pannier rack
Triple panniers
Bottle cage
Bottle
Garmin
Inside panniers:
Change of shoes
1 MasterLock (covered in insurance)
1 Halfords cable lock (just to secure the front wheel)
Saddle bag
Pump
Lights to fit onto relevant brackets
Spare gloves
Overshoes
Face mask
Hi-viz coat
Inside saddle bag:
Two inner tubes
Three tire levers
Puncture repair kit
Chain tool
Spare chain links
Paper and pen
Spare batteries for lights
One the bike:
1 Cree T6 front light
1 Cateye EL-340RC
1 Cateye HL-130 and TL-130 set
1 Cateye TL-610
2 Cateye HL-170 and TL170 sets (just got them today. I will be doing a review this evening)
Pannier rack
Triple panniers
Bottle cage
Bottle
Garmin
Inside panniers:
Change of shoes
1 MasterLock (covered in insurance)
1 Halfords cable lock (just to secure the front wheel)
Saddle bag
Pump
Lights to fit onto relevant brackets
Spare gloves
Overshoes
Face mask
Hi-viz coat
Inside saddle bag:
Two inner tubes
Three tire levers
Puncture repair kit
Chain tool
Spare chain links
Paper and pen
Spare batteries for lights
AndyRM
XOXO
- Location
- North Shields
On the bike:
Lights that are bright enough for you to be seen, front and back. I use a variety of stuff from Planet-X. It is cheap and good quality.
Decent pump. The Revolution Mini-Track pump is excellent.
Bottle cage. I commute a similar distance, and while I don't need a drink on the journey, I'm usually a bit thirsty at the end.
In a saddle bag:
Couple of spare tubes and tyre levers.
Latex gloves so you don't get minging hands should you need to change a puncture.
Set of hex-keys.
On you:
Overshoes. Endura Neoprene ones are very good.
Appropriate gloves. Fingerless if it's warm, wind/waterproof if it's cold. Altura have a good range.
Base-layer. Aldi/Sports Direct for a cheap option.
Decent pair of socks. Planet X have a nice pair of thick merino wool ones which are warm and comfy.
Decent jacket. You don't need to break the bank, Wiggle have an own brand Roubaix one which is around £25/30. It's excellent.
Cycling jersey.
Last year, Planet X had a very good deal where which included lights, gloves, overshoes and socks for £20. Was around November IIRC.
Lights that are bright enough for you to be seen, front and back. I use a variety of stuff from Planet-X. It is cheap and good quality.
Decent pump. The Revolution Mini-Track pump is excellent.
Bottle cage. I commute a similar distance, and while I don't need a drink on the journey, I'm usually a bit thirsty at the end.
In a saddle bag:
Couple of spare tubes and tyre levers.
Latex gloves so you don't get minging hands should you need to change a puncture.
Set of hex-keys.
On you:
Overshoes. Endura Neoprene ones are very good.
Appropriate gloves. Fingerless if it's warm, wind/waterproof if it's cold. Altura have a good range.
Base-layer. Aldi/Sports Direct for a cheap option.
Decent pair of socks. Planet X have a nice pair of thick merino wool ones which are warm and comfy.
Decent jacket. You don't need to break the bank, Wiggle have an own brand Roubaix one which is around £25/30. It's excellent.
Cycling jersey.
Last year, Planet X had a very good deal where which included lights, gloves, overshoes and socks for £20. Was around November IIRC.
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
Full winter attire:
Skull cap>Helmet
Neck warmer
Vest>Short sleeve jersey>Long sleeve jersey>High viz jacket
Underpants>Leggins>General shorts>Waterproof trousers
Walking socks>Shoes>Overshoes
Thick gloves
Summer attire:
Helmet
Short sleeve jersey
Underpants>General shorts
Ankle socks>Shoes
Mitts
Throughout the year I normally fluctuate between both sets and mix it about a little. The ...>...>... thing is showing that bottom garment>mid>top garment.
Skull cap>Helmet
Neck warmer
Vest>Short sleeve jersey>Long sleeve jersey>High viz jacket
Underpants>Leggins>General shorts>Waterproof trousers
Walking socks>Shoes>Overshoes
Thick gloves
Summer attire:
Helmet
Short sleeve jersey
Underpants>General shorts
Ankle socks>Shoes
Mitts
Throughout the year I normally fluctuate between both sets and mix it about a little. The ...>...>... thing is showing that bottom garment>mid>top garment.
