what kit do I need? advice for newbie?!?!?!?! i'm desperate!!!

[cyberknight]

The trick where possible is to use two "different" systems. That way the oportunistic thief has to have more than one type of tool to be sucessful in removing both locks

+1
My commuter has a d- lock and a 1 " thick cable lock on it , inside a locked (supposedly) bike shed.

 

[abo]

Cheap locks can be a waste of money in some situations. Don't buy a "cable" lock as tealeaves cut through these like butter, get a decent D Lock like an Abus or Krypto:

I like these for about £70+

I quite like these chains too (£110+)

You can go cheaper.

Can't see the point in buying a lock of that price for what you paid for your bike. I'd personally get something like this, make sure the lock was properly filled and secure next to other bikes with crappier and easier to break locks than your own.

 

[BSRU]

Can't see the point in buying a lock of that price for what you paid for your bike. I'd personally get something like this, make sure the lock was properly filled and secure next to other bikes with crappier and easier to break locks than your own.

Sentimental reasons and having spent ages getting it just the way I want it.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

- can anyone recommend an excellent (but cheapish...) brand of: lock; lights (to see and be seen); bell?
Lock: This is a difficult one - if you want something to prevent the bike being stolen you'll want it with a gold 'Sold Secure' rating which is going to be HEAVY and BIG. If you are insuring the bike check with the insurance company first what locks they allow. It might be possible to add the bike to your household cover and most household cover policies only want it to be 'locked' to an 'immovable object' without specifying grade of lock.
Lights (rear): I have a Smart 1/2w LED which is great. 2x AAA batteries which last a pretty long time
Lights (front): Tougher this - for the moment you're likely to be cycling in daylight, so not necessary to leap in. I had the matching Smart front light, which was fine for being seen but not so fine for seeing. I then bought some AyUps which are great but probably outside the pricerange you're looking at at the moment. You might want to consider the ease of removing the thing as it's possible it will foul when you fold the bike; so I'd try taking it into a good shop and having a proper look
Bell: isn't there one on the bike?

- is it worth buying a bag for the Dahon to go into, folded up? it's coming on the train with me (and sometimes the bus)
Bag: theoretically you could be forced to bag the bike if you get on a train or bus; I've never had to do it with my Brompton. You might want to simply keep a big bin-bag with you folded up all small in case someone tries to make you.

- do you think i should wear a helmet? i won't be cycling fast and i'll only be riding on the cycle path, and helmets seem to be a pain to carry with everything else i need to carry for work. if i should get a helmet, can you recommend a brand?
Helmet: Ooh, dear. There is a wealth of argument about this - essentially, you'll have to decide. There are pros and cons either way but I do wear a helmet most times because I'm more likely to regret not having worn one. As for carrying them: they carry very well on your head
If you do decide to wear one it's very important to find one that fits well. Specialized helmets are Snell certified which is supposed to be the best certification about.

- i asked in Halfords about trailers for the Dahon Speed D7 (we don't really have a local bike shop near us) and they said it's not possible to have a trailer on there... i'm not sure that they know what they're talking about though... if anyone knows a brand of trailer that can fit onto a Dahon Speed D7, could you let me know?

 

[KingstonBiker]

It has already been mentioned but I think it's worth another mention... Cyclecraft by John Franklin is a good book for advice on cycling on the roads (and a lot more).

 

[jefmcg]

Also, some councils offer cycling courses. Where do you live?