I do a few miles in all weathers so I thought I'd share a few things I have purchased that I think are well worth the money. It might save someone new to cycling the hassle of trial and error which can be quite expensive, as I have found!
Please feel free to add to the list!!
Swisstop Green brake pads
These are a massive upgrade to the black pads supplied with most bikes, they leave the rim clean and free of that black sludge that accumulates after a few good wet weather rides, and hopefully a little less aggressive on the rims, they also have much better stopping power than the pads I got with my 105 callipers, and don't seem to be wearing out as fast either!
Gatorskins
Although a little heavy they seem to roll well enough, I use them all year round and have a one puncture in about 4000miles, great value for money imo
Lifeline Inner tubes (From Wiggle)
Cheap and last a good while
Velo Rim tape
This stuff is cheap as chips and is much better than the blue plastic stuff you usually get with your wheels, easy to change and will eliminate the dreaded pinch puncture!
Moon Shield Rear light
Worth every penny, its USB chargeable and will last a good few days in-between charges, its super bright and well built, it looks good too.
DHB R1.0 road cycling shoes
For £30 they simply cannot be beaten , I'm on my second set, they fit well (for me anyway) they hold up when pushing hard on hills and are perfect for a commuter/sportive rider.
Shimano R501 Wheels
I'm on my second set of these so far and the jury is still out on them as the rims seem to wear out a bit fast imo, they roll well but are a bit heavy, ideal for commuting though. And for £70 for the pair they are a bargain.
Buff
I don't leave home without mine, keeps your face warm while you warm up then just pull it down when things warm up.
CO2 canisters and pump
These little fella's will inflate your tyres to around 100psi in around second, no more pumping away, I keep a couple of canisters in my backpack with a inflater head that cost about £5 (can remember where from)
I get my canisters from co2cartridges.co.uk (16grams threaded) £12 for 10
This will save you so much time and effort, essential imo
Please feel free to add to the list!!
Swisstop Green brake pads
These are a massive upgrade to the black pads supplied with most bikes, they leave the rim clean and free of that black sludge that accumulates after a few good wet weather rides, and hopefully a little less aggressive on the rims, they also have much better stopping power than the pads I got with my 105 callipers, and don't seem to be wearing out as fast either!
Gatorskins
Although a little heavy they seem to roll well enough, I use them all year round and have a one puncture in about 4000miles, great value for money imo
Lifeline Inner tubes (From Wiggle)
Cheap and last a good while
Velo Rim tape
This stuff is cheap as chips and is much better than the blue plastic stuff you usually get with your wheels, easy to change and will eliminate the dreaded pinch puncture!
Moon Shield Rear light
Worth every penny, its USB chargeable and will last a good few days in-between charges, its super bright and well built, it looks good too.
DHB R1.0 road cycling shoes
For £30 they simply cannot be beaten , I'm on my second set, they fit well (for me anyway) they hold up when pushing hard on hills and are perfect for a commuter/sportive rider.
Shimano R501 Wheels
I'm on my second set of these so far and the jury is still out on them as the rims seem to wear out a bit fast imo, they roll well but are a bit heavy, ideal for commuting though. And for £70 for the pair they are a bargain.
Buff
I don't leave home without mine, keeps your face warm while you warm up then just pull it down when things warm up.
CO2 canisters and pump
These little fella's will inflate your tyres to around 100psi in around second, no more pumping away, I keep a couple of canisters in my backpack with a inflater head that cost about £5 (can remember where from)
I get my canisters from co2cartridges.co.uk (16grams threaded) £12 for 10
This will save you so much time and effort, essential imo