Waterproofs, backpacks & lights

[Arfcollins]

Lights I use Smart Lunar 10's, there are brighter lights but for a tenner ATM on Planet X they are the best value I think.

I checked it out, and actually there is £2.50 to add for delivery, despite the main ad saying free delivery. Turns out you have to spend a bit more than a tenner for it to be free. Still a bargain though, and I ordered one.

 

[paulmac]

are planet x a good place to order stuff from then? they reliable yes? i think i will order some myself

 

[DrSquirrel]

The 1/2W rear is a bargain - for dark nights use 2 lights one flashing one static - gives you benefits of both light patterns and a failsafe. PX sells the 1/2W for £5 and the 1W for £10.

The 1/2W in the front + rear combo pack - the front will only suit "to be seen" and won't be good enough "to see" for dark (unlit) lanes etc.




45L is massive - I don't even take a bag that big camping.

I used to use a 25L, but now I use a smaller 18L and its still got plenty of room - I leave it monday and return with it on Friday.

Waterproof stays in my saddle bag with my toolkit/tyre/gas all the time.


I wouldn't assume you can get something that will keep you 100% dry - you will get wet from rain or sweat. Unless its really cold you're better off with a lightweight to keep the most off and some of the wind out - layer up underneath then you can maintain temperatures better. The actual amount it rains is a lot less than you think - most of the time its surface water that will soak your feet/legs (mudguards can help with this).



Just because its raining doesn't mean you need to wear trousers, you will probably end up needing to put them on wet before you return home and its not a nice feeling - instead your legs will dry faster and be one of the warmest parts of your body.

 

[Wankelschrauben]

I bought a super cheap "NO Fear" backpack from a local sports shop, something like £10 reduced from £30.

It is an average size bag that I chuck my work clothes and stuff in.

The difference in speed, even when this bag is empty, can be 2mph or more on a flat riding at pace.

I don't really notice the sweat argument that everyone moans about, my back sweats with it or without it, it doesn't bother me.

 

[paulmac]

i think im going to go for the 45L backpack from tesco, its no that big unless u open all the straps and release it to its fuill size, its ideal for me on gym nights which are mon, wed and fri, tue and thu will use a smaller bag. Ive just ordered the lights from planet x. i only ride on well lit roads so being seen is the only issue im concerned about, also my conti gatorskins have just turned up so they will be getting fitted tomorrow hopefully they will make me a little faster as they are the 700 x 28 and il be taking off my 700 x 37 felt std ones

 

[wiggydiggy]

I checked it out, and actually there is £2.50 to add for delivery, despite the main ad saying free delivery. Turns out you have to spend a bit more than a tenner for it to be free. Still a bargain though, and I ordered one.

I know its annoying isnt it, I had a good look around for something else I needed but in the end just ordered the lights themselves and paid the £2.50, still a bargain like you say

 

[biking_fox]

I'd say stick with the backpack.

It does depend on the bike you use, but I found paniers to be a pain, the made the bike feel of balance, and are awkward whenever you want to be anywhere without your bike.

As fro waterproofs bikelegs are great, just cover the tops of the legs and thighs, arent' too hot or sweaty but do keep the worst fo the rain off you - but decent mudguards remain a must!

 

[John90]

Bags: I have a large waterproof North Face courier bag for when I have to take everything (including laptop) with me. I like it because it doesn't obstruct my rear view. For lesser loads i Use a Camelback with a waterproof cover if necessary. I don't like panniers but only on aesthetic grounds.

Jackets: I only use waterproofs in the winter when the wet mixes with the cold. Then I use a high end waterproof jacket which also provides thermal insulation.

All fairly pricey stuff but it does what I want.

 

[Zoiders]

I took about two years to kill one of these with day in day out abuse and I really kicked the the arse out of it both on and off road and I overloaded it a lot.

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16379&category_id=251

Very waterproof, not just resistant.

 

[paulmac]

is that big enough to fit gym kit in ie trainers, shorts shirt towel etc aswell as my dinner and lock lights pump tools etc?

 

[Zoiders]

20 litres?

Loads as it's a straight bucket design, they do 25 and 30 as well if you look at the rest of the page.

 

[Jezston]

is that big enough to fit gym kit in ie trainers, shorts shirt towel etc aswell as my dinner and lock lights pump tools etc?

Looks big enough to fit a tent!

 

[paulmac]

well i recieved my Smart Lunar 10 lights on Monday and popped them on last night and im very impressed with them, i mean for £9.99 they are a bargain, i thought they was very bright and look ok too.