Newbie equipment advice

[Bob_betty]

Hey another newbie here.

Going in at the deep end now after doing a few 20 milers recently since purchased a new bike (ridgeback road bike or something like that) and have just signed up for the Oxford to Cambridge bike ride for the British Heart Foundation.
Nothing like a good challenge to get in shape!

Thinking of possible equipment that would come in handy I come accross this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....rkparms=algo=CRX&its=S%2BI&itu=UCI%2BSI&otn=4
a 2litre liquid back pack type thing.

Is this any good?

Thanks inadvance

 

[bonj2]

this is better
but that one's probably not at all bad

consider for long distance road riding not having stuff on your back though.
e.g. have a water bottle on the frame for drinks, and puncture repair stuff in a saddle bag (the sort that sit under the saddle and attach to the seatpost and/or back of the rails).

 

[RedBike]

On most organised rides there are plenty of stops for water / food so you don't normal need to carry huge amounts with you (i'm not familiar with your ride).

On a road bike I would probably stick with water bottles and a jersey with big pockets.

 

[HJ]

If you are happy carrying something like that on your back then that is a good option, but you may well find it more comfortable to get a bottle cage on your frame. And as bonj says some sort of seat pack like this...

 

[byegad]

The weight should be ideally on the bike not on you. A sweaty back can be a nuisance and in the worst case boils are not fun. A couple of bottle cages on the bike and a seat pack will carry everything you need and leave you comfortable.