Shorts and Lights, I'm Confused!!!

[MacB]

As a newcomer to the cycling world I've been gradually getting over my shock at how expensive it is and learning about stuff in general. So far I've managed to understand and sort out, which bike(Giant CRS Alliance, straight bars with bar-ends), locks(3 different all gold/silver rated), general town commuting lights(LED smart lights), base layers(Rapha merino wool), mid layers(Rapha merino jerseys), outer shell(Altura Night Vision and about to add windproof as well), panniers(Ortlieb backroller classic), tool kit, saddle bag, gloves, helmet etc. But I seem to be really struggling to understand the waist down and unlit road light requirements. Got 6 month plan to build up to full commute of 36 miles a day, been going 3 weeks and at 10 miles a day currently, plus practice runs at weekends. I have full shower and locker facilities at work and can park my bike very securely.

Bottom half - going to be using flat pedals for forseeable future and I overheat quite easily. Would like some advice on socks, footwear and shorts v longs v 3/4 v bib v waist. This includes needing to know how you wear them, ie what goes over/under what.

Lights - having ridden some unlit country roads the other evening I found that my front light is only good for very slow riding in these conditions. Had intended to add a second front and rear light anyway and was looking at the Cat Eye set, EL530 front and LD1100 rear. Have also looked at Hope, the Singleshot and another that allows you to vary the light intensity in/out of town, and whether I need rechargeable AA's, rechargeable pack or dynamo. The more I've read the more confused I've become and I really can't afford an expensive hub dynamo system. Wiggle have the Cat Eye set above at £47, would the EL530 give me enough light for several miles on totally unlit country roads? I will never be offroad with the lights, at most it'll be the odd cycle/tow path. Would rather not be constantly changing/charging batteries but am not keen on dynamo.

I have tried to research this but seem to be only confusing myself, appreciate any advice/links you folks can supply....cheers.....Al

 

[BentMikey]

Tesco's 3W AA torch mounted using a twofish lockblock is an ideal light for dark country lanes. About a tenner, if you can find one. Otherwise you could get the Fenix L2D, which is better but a lot more expensive. Far less than an EL530, and far far brighter.

 

[MacB]

Superb, thanks, will definitely order the lockblock and am leaning towards the Fenix, thanks for your help....Al

 

[hackbike 666]

I used a fenix with lockblock in Bangkok and got flashed by two cars in the first five minutes.They are superb.

 

[MacB]

Taken the plunge, have ordered a twin pack of lockblocks, the Fenix mentioned and an extra pack of 4 rechargeables....thanks for the good advice folks....Al

 

[hackbike 666]

Where did you get you lockblocks from?

I reckon the Fenix has a two hour+ battery life on recharegables though,so carry spares.

 

[marinyork]

Any old rechargeables work fine in the rear 1100. Watch out for dimming issues I and others have had on the 1000 mk1 and mk2. Also if the chamber is a bit small then get some emery paper and grind it down a bit. The chamber on the 1000mk2 is incredibly snug and although it's an improvement on the 1100 you may want to do that as rechargeables tend to be about 1mm larger than standard batteries diameter wise. If you have to change the batteries (unlikely but possible) on a dark cold night you don't want to be violently shaking the 1100 to get them out. So I'd advise that.

 

[MacB]

actually ordered just one lockblock as figured can move it easily between bikes. Ordered everything from FenixTorch.co.uk, expected to carry 2 spares AA's all the time. For the back of the bike will probably buy another Smart Superflash. I have the current one on the back of my topeak saddle pack and will put the new one on the back of the rack. Will run one on constant and one on flash. Only decision left re lights is whether I mount one on my helmet or not, will see how this pans out first.

You've been superb guys but would love some advice on the shorts/longs/shoes/socks as well. It is the time of giving isn't it?...thanks....Al

 

[HLaB]

With everybody raving about Merino socks I opted for a pair (the cheaper Polaris option), I got them for Christmas, its too early to tell but the Merino advice sounds good.
For distance in winter my favourite shoes are my Spesh mtb sport shoes. They're spds and you can walk in them but they're stiffer soled than other mtb shoes making them more efficient. For shorts and longs the general advice I got here was bibs and I think people are right. My latest pair of Santini, another Christmas present seem good.

 

[orbiter]

After coming home with frozen toes again last week, that took an hour to thaw out, I bought myself some Lewiskit merino sox for Xmas. Toasty!! :?: Very glad I got three pairs as I'm wearing them off the bike too!
(Three pairs plus cosy layered gloves for £25 - half-price at the moment)

Pete

 

[rickangus]

I've looked at the Fenis website and there are a number of different models - which ones are best suited to bikes?

 

[BentMikey]

I have a P3D, which takes two CR123A cells. You can get these relatively cheap on eBay, or use rechargeable ones.

Most people seem to use the L2D, which uses 2 AA cells. More convenient, but it's slightly larger and doesn't last as long.

 

[Bodhbh]

Bottom half - going to be using flat pedals for forseeable future and I overheat quite easily. Would like some advice on socks, footwear and shorts v longs v 3/4 v bib v waist. This includes needing to know how you wear them, ie what goes over/under what.

I use flats also, tend just to wear an old pair of trainers with some thick woolen hiking socks. In the pannier generally have a pair of thin merino socks to go under the hiking socks, and sealskinz waterproof socks to go over them, if it's wet and/or v cold (not got cold enuff to have all 3 pairs on at once tho).

 

[MacB]

Thanks Bod, think that's how I'm going to proceed to begin with. Have ordered a couple of pairs of DHB cycle shorts and will use jogging bottoms, or loose shorts, over the top. Dayglo velcro cycle clips to keep them cinched in and I should be good to go. Until I finalise the pedal question I don't think I want to lash out on cycle specific shoes. Will see how I feel as the miles rack up.....Al