My first road bike

[Pulse]

So, I know it's not going to set the world alight compared to some others, but I've just bought my first road bike!

It's a GT GTR Series 5, from here: http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bikes/gt-gtr-series-5-...



Really looking forward to it, but being a complete newbie to this, what things should I consider before I ride, during my first ride, and in the future?

[Mr Gear]

Get the seat height correct. Ask someone who knows if you don't.

Drink plenty of water to avoid cramp, and build up your mileage over time.

Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

[yellowjack]

Make sure you always carry a spare tube, a repair kit (patches) and a pump as the very minimum. Make sure you know how to use them. If you even think you run the risk of being caught out in fading light, a set of lights is a must too.

A helmet? Your choice, but I'd recommend one personally. NEVER ride without eye protection and gloves/mitts. Bugs in the eye hurt at the least, and can cause damage in extreme cases - best not to test the odds. Gloves, because coming off and putting a hand out will leave you with tears in your eyes, picking gravel out of your palms. Gravel rash on your legs/arms you can deal with - it's only pain after all, but you'll struggle to grip the bars to ride home if most of the skin from your palms has been grated onto the tarmac

Do not concern yourself with how much (or how little) your bike cost. Ride it and enjoy it. And welcome

[Rob_T]

As above but don't forget to add in tyre levers. And get rid of those ridiculous pedals in favour of some spd sl's and shoes!

Edited by Rob_T on Saturday 5th April 18:35

[jason90]

A pair of latex gloves, just in case of mechanical issues, nothing worse than spreading grease all over your bars and shifters

[bakerstreet]

jason90 said:

A pair of latex gloves, just in case of mechanical issues, nothing worse than spreading grease all over your bars and shifters

I couldn't care less about the shifters, I've wiped my greasy fingers on my jersey before. It took several goes with the stain removers to get the mark off

As others have said:

2 x inner tubes
tyre levers
mini pump
helmet
gloves

Check that you can change a puncture. Practice indoors. There are several video on YouTube that can help.

I also cable a few cable ties with me too.

Just go out and enjoy the time on the bike

[Eddh]

OP, buy one of those little trailers you see for kids so you can cart all that st around ^^

[Kell]

I've also just bought my first Road Bike in years - or Racer as we used to call them.

SH Triban 3 for £130.

Belonged to my Brother-in-Law's daughter's Boyfriend. But been well maintained.

Looking forward to getting some miles under my belt this year.

The only problem I have now is that the wife says one (or more) of my four other bikes is going to have to go...

[TwistingMyMelon]

I take out:

Inner Tube
Patches
Multi tool
phone
bank card
£20
2 x tyre levers
Sweets
Cereal/energy bar
Mini pump

Thats for 50-100 mile rides, my partner doesn't drive, so if I'm stuck out 60 miles from home I'm on my own, it all fits easily in jersey pockets and saddle bags

I ride with other guys who take nothing apart from phone and money and its a PITA when they get mechanical issues in the middle of nowhere.

When I commute, I have a rucksack and don't need any food, so take the above (minus food) so through in some spare allan keys, long nose pliers , electrical tape just in case.

Went all though Winter with no mech issues at all, in the last month I have had punctures, broken spokes, jammed on wheels , jammed mudguards , so its worth being prepared.

[Fotic]

I'd fit two bottle cages - one for a 750ml bottle which is enough for an hour or so and then use the other for a 'tubes and tools' type bottle. I put the basics in mine: tyre levers, spare tube, co2, latex gloves and a multi tool.

[Barchettaman]

Pulse, be aware that road bike tyres take a lot of PSI, if you're not already.
Depending on your weight 8 bar should be a good starting point.