New commuter

[biggs682]

It's no problem the route he's going to take. Wide roads, plenty of bus lanes and motorists who are used to cycling commuters, Very safe.

rather than you thats all i can say

 

[ianrauk]

Thanks Ian. I'll have to master the art of changing a wheel. I purchased my bike last week through the cycle to work scheme. I did purchase two inner tubes simultaneoulsy. Is it worth investing in some shoes too. I was hoping not too but it may enhance efficiency over time.

I'll have to meet you locally at some point. I am trying to get my daughter into cycling too

You Tube is a cyclists friend. You can find instructional video's on almost anything cycle related. It would be a good idea to have a dummy practice before you set off on the road.

Did you get a track pump for home? As you will need to get your tyres up to a good pressure. That is very hard to do with a normal small pump.

Forget about the shoes... for now.
Get on and do a few commutes to see how you get on. You can think about them at a later stage.

So.. essentials for the commute you will need.
A pump
Spare inner tube (X2)
Tyre levers x 2
A Multi-Tool, pref with a chain breaker (though I have never broken a chain on a commute yet)
A couple of quick links (if your chain does brake).

As you are new to commuting. Have a read of this thread by another local chap Johnny. It includes a downloadable essential commuter guide with a whole heap of great information.

 

[ianrauk]

rather than you thats all i can say

Me and the tens of thousand of other London cycle commuters.

 

[Jas]

I purchased a small pump for the journey only, I have a multi purpose tool but no links or tyre levers.

About the shoes reluctant at the moment anyhow. Will look for a track pump, any recommendations?

I'll get onto you tube and do a few dry runs on the wheel changing.

Thanks again,

 

[ianrauk]

@Jas
Tyre levers are important bud... if you have a puncture then you will need them to get the tyre off.

Track Pumps? I bought mine from halfords a good few years ago.
Hey.. tyre levers, track pump... a trip to halford's on the bypass is in order Squire.

 

[musa]

Any decent track pump. I got my secondhand and it does the job its a bontrager one

You defo need one. Levers are cheap. Get a bulk set of tubes too

 

[Jas]

Thanks Ian. Some very pertinent tips. Will head down there one evening this week and pick some tyre levers up along with a track pump.

 

[Jas]

Thansk Musa

 

[Ciar]

Welcome

 

[ianrauk]

@Jas
Sorry, here's the link for the commuting guide I mentioned in a previous post