New cyclist...two week cycle around Ireland :-/

[Emmet Haughian]

Hi guys, hoping someone here can give me a bit of a steer with preparing for an event I've registered for.

It's a two week cycle around Ireland. Its designed for anyone to do, so it's longest run is 120km and shortest i 80km, with an average speed of around 20km/hour, but there are only a few of us doing every day and I'm hoping it will kickstart my post football activity. To date though I have little or no cycling experience!

Anyways, bit of background about the event done, I need some help getting my gear. I'm happy to spend in and around £800 - £900 on bike and whatever accessories I need. But this is where I'm a little lost. I have no notion what I need other than I need a bike and the right equipment.

I've been into a shop and got a price for a list of stuff that I'm told I'll need, but I've no idea whether or not I need it all or if that shop is the best place to get certain items...can it be got cheaper elsewhere? I realise none of you know what I have been told to get or quoted for, but I'm hoping a blank canvas will get some kind expert out there to give me their opinion based on what I need and not compare to what I have already.

Hope someone can help me and apologies if this thread already exists, but I've had a look around and there was nothing I understood out there.

Thanks folks and happy Christmas!

 

[welsh dragon]

Hello Emmet. Can't help you regarding the bikes but I am sure someone will be along later who can. Welcome however to the site from powys. Hope you enjoy the forum and merry christmas and a happy new year.

 

[coffeejo]

Hi Emmet, welcome to the forum!

re: which bike, is the event supported or will you be carrying everything yourself in panniers? And when is it? (I wouldn't bother with waterproofs in summer but definitely would in April.)

As for accessories, off the top of my head and in no particular order I'd suggest at least the following:
-pump
-puncture repair kit and spare tubes
-lights (useful on grey/rainy days)
-lock
-water bottles
-saddle bag
-cycling gloves
-high wicking and breathable clothing (doesn't need to be lycra if that's not your thing though I'd advise padded shorts)
-multitool
-sudocrem/E45/chamois cream

Hope that helps as a start.

 

[vickster]

Helmet if you want to wear one

 

[biggs682]

Helmet if you want to wear one

these should be compulsory by now

 

[bikepacker]

these should be compulsory by now

Rubbish. Helmets are only needed by unsafe riders and those who do stupid things while cycling.

 

[vickster]

What about riders who ride safely and happen to encounter motorists or other cyclists who do stupid things around the safe riders? Or safe riders who encounter unseen slippery stuff or rubbly stuff on the roads and come off through no fault of their own?

This is why I said the op will need to buy a helmet if s/he wants to wear one.

Bike packer, if you like a good helmet debate, there's a dedicated forum and you can discuss to your hearts content

 

[bikepacker]

I didn't bring up the subject of helmets on this thread, it was done by someone wanting to brainwash the OP to their beliefs. I have cycled in Ireland without a helmet.

 

[vickster]

Biggs just voiced an opinion...brainwashing!?! Your comment would seem to imply that only cyclists who make an error might possibly need a helmet to protect their heads which is complete poppycock in my opinion unless said cyclist only ever cycles around their garden!

But it's Christmas and I have no interest in a helmet debate!

 

[steveindenmark]

OK with regards to the helmets, which is a topic this site should ban. Usually it is personal choice but on arranged events you often have to wear one because of insurance reasons.

Emmet, find out if you have to wear one, I think you will. If you dont, then you make your own mind up. Because people on here will never agree whether you should wear one or not.

Dont go on what your Local Bike Shop says because they want your money. Have you a link for the event, that may give us a better idea.

Steve

 

[uclown2002]

Rubbish. Helmets are only needed by unsafe riders and those who do stupid things while cycling.

Rubbish also.

 

[albion]

Obviously these rides usually prefer you to use a helmet so it is best to adhere to the norm.
Clothing is personal but if early May you need a waterproof layer and something warm, maybe shell, plus a waterproof layer for any gloves you use. Freezing rain can happen at that time of year.

If 'supported' basic light accessories can be taken (1 spare tube, basic repair kit and a light, tested pocket size pump).
As to bike I'd suggest the likes of a Carrera TDF or a B'Twin Triban.

Anything below in spec is suspect, and anything above should really become an upgrade if/when this first buy properly matures into your 'winter bike'.

 

[albion]

BTW if you are properly training, you might evolve into having a good /right choice of clothing gear.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Hi guys, hoping someone here can give me a bit of a steer with preparing for an event I've registered for.

It's a two week cycle around Ireland. Its designed for anyone to do, so it's longest run is 120km and shortest i 80km, with an average speed of around 20km/hour, but there are only a few of us doing every day and I'm hoping it will kickstart my post football activity. To date though I have little or no cycling experience!

Anyways, bit of background about the event done, I need some help getting my gear. I'm happy to spend in and around £800 - £900 on bike and whatever accessories I need. But this is where I'm a little lost. I have no notion what I need other than I need a bike and the right equipment.

I've been into a shop and got a price for a list of stuff that I'm told I'll need, but I've no idea whether or not I need it all or if that shop is the best place to get certain items...can it be got cheaper elsewhere? I realise none of you know what I have been told to get or quoted for, but I'm hoping a blank canvas will get some kind expert out there to give me their opinion based on what I need and not compare to what I have already.

Hope someone can help me and apologies if this thread already exists, but I've had a look around and there was nothing I understood out there.

Thanks folks and happy Christmas!

Can you post up the list of stuff that you need that you have been given? It may help us to identify what type of 'event' it is. I have toured in Ireland a lot and know that the roads can be interesting at times - that is the road surface or lack of can be particularly hazardous at times. Whilst on our aborted round the world attempt, of the 6 spokes my OH broke on tour, 3 of them were in Ireland! As for Ireland itself, it is a great place to tour and on the whole the drivers are great, but very occasionally seriously drunk! But I will happily return and cycle there and you should enjoy it. Weather wise, it is very much like Scotland, anything and everything in the way of weather can happen inside 24 hours and you should be ready to get soaked to the skin and sunburnt all in the same day! Enjoy it.