What stuff do I need
Discussion
Hi all,
Just after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump
Multi-tool
Puncture kit
The aforementioned shorts
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses)
Water bottle
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home.
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
Just after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump
Multi-tool
Puncture kit
The aforementioned shorts
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses)
Water bottle
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home.
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
wiggy001 said:
Hi all,
Just after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/pocket-...
Multi-tool - I bought mine from halfords, its ok, make sure it has a chain splitter and practise using it before you need to. no pint sitting at the roadside not knowing how it works...
Puncture kit - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair... - way more effective than the old style kits with vulcanising glue, and a a £2 piece fits neatly in the box too ewhen its empty.
The aforementioned shorts - go for bibs as they dont have the waistband that digs into your stomach, try a few to see what fits.
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses) - someone recommnded me the Moondog glasses from www.kontrrolsport.co.uk if you dont like contacts, havent looked into them yet. if you wear contacts, it just depends on your budget.
Water bottle - just make sure it has a seal in the lid, i use these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-corsa-team-550ml-wat...
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home. Muc-Off, spray on the cleaner, leave it five minutes rinse off. given its a road bike, you wont be knee deep in gloop so the heavy duty stuff isnt necessary The cleaner is here but i found the lube just a bit too thick for road bike drivetrains though its good for mtb. I use auto-glym car polish on the frame to keep it shiny!
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-wash-and-lube-kit/
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
I've given you some suggestionsJust after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/pocket-...
Multi-tool - I bought mine from halfords, its ok, make sure it has a chain splitter and practise using it before you need to. no pint sitting at the roadside not knowing how it works...
Puncture kit - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair... - way more effective than the old style kits with vulcanising glue, and a a £2 piece fits neatly in the box too ewhen its empty.
The aforementioned shorts - go for bibs as they dont have the waistband that digs into your stomach, try a few to see what fits.
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses) - someone recommnded me the Moondog glasses from www.kontrrolsport.co.uk if you dont like contacts, havent looked into them yet. if you wear contacts, it just depends on your budget.
Water bottle - just make sure it has a seal in the lid, i use these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-corsa-team-550ml-wat...
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home. Muc-Off, spray on the cleaner, leave it five minutes rinse off. given its a road bike, you wont be knee deep in gloop so the heavy duty stuff isnt necessary The cleaner is here but i found the lube just a bit too thick for road bike drivetrains though its good for mtb. I use auto-glym car polish on the frame to keep it shiny!
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-wash-and-lube-kit/
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
a cycling cap is pretty useful to wear under your helmet if you use a helmet without a peak.
i put most stuff in my jersey pockets but have a mini topeak saddle bag for tube and tool.
HurryUpAndWait said:
Rather than (or perhaps in addition to) a puncture repair kit, just carry a spare inner tube.
Yup, I'd 2nd that. Leave the puncture repair kit at home (unless you think you might get more punctures than you have spare tubes!) and carry 1 or two spare tubes instead. You'll still have to clear the offending "sharp" out of the tyre, but at least you'll not have to faff about with rubber and glue whilst you're out - just whop a new tube in and carry on. You can then sort the puncture repair once you're at home and have access to a bowl of water to find the leak and time to let the patch seal on properly.Excellent response from all, very much appreciated. Will take a look over the weekend and get purchasing.
Seems quite different to the last time I owned a bike where you either bought a mountain bike or racer and a quick-release front wheel was only for the expensive bikes!
Thanks again!
Seems quite different to the last time I owned a bike where you either bought a mountain bike or racer and a quick-release front wheel was only for the expensive bikes!
Thanks again!
I have just got back into cycling after 10 years. Used to ride MTB but have got a road bike. The only things I bought were 105 pedals, shoes, bib shorts and trackstand pump thing, this morning I bought a bottle holder.
Apart from that I am only riding about 6 miles away from home (radius) doing a bit of a radial route. Taking my chances but I have a mobile, house keys and £20 quid which should get me home.
Interesting comments about flat tyre repair strategy, on a MTB it used to be a pump and patches then again I didn't realise tyres were at 120psi!
I think I will be buying some spare inner tubers and get a pumps. Is that in line with the rules
Interesting that for the first week I was struggling past 12miles in a hour, I have just done 16.8m miles in 60mins so the legs and arse are remembering what its all about.
I am finding that cycling is helping me deal with other things going on and is a great escape, I just happened to buy the bike by coincidence.
Apart from that I am only riding about 6 miles away from home (radius) doing a bit of a radial route. Taking my chances but I have a mobile, house keys and £20 quid which should get me home.
Interesting comments about flat tyre repair strategy, on a MTB it used to be a pump and patches then again I didn't realise tyres were at 120psi!
I think I will be buying some spare inner tubers and get a pumps. Is that in line with the rules
Interesting that for the first week I was struggling past 12miles in a hour, I have just done 16.8m miles in 60mins so the legs and arse are remembering what its all about.
I am finding that cycling is helping me deal with other things going on and is a great escape, I just happened to buy the bike by coincidence.
Piece of cardboard (just a bit of folded up card from an inner tube box). Works perfectly as a (very) temporary tyre repair in the event of a torn tyre.
I go OTT, but if I'm out away from home, especially where mobile signal might be an issue I carry:
Mini-Pump
2 x inner tubes
2 x levers
The aforementioned park-tools self-adhesive patches
multi-tool (hex keys / screwdrivers)
adjustable spanner
flat bike spanner thing (with all the holes in)
Piece of card (see above)
debit / credit card
£10 note
phone
few cable ties
small snips / knife
I go OTT, but if I'm out away from home, especially where mobile signal might be an issue I carry:
Mini-Pump
2 x inner tubes
2 x levers
The aforementioned park-tools self-adhesive patches
multi-tool (hex keys / screwdrivers)
adjustable spanner
flat bike spanner thing (with all the holes in)
Piece of card (see above)
debit / credit card
£10 note
phone
few cable ties
small snips / knife
ALawson said:
Interesting that for the first week I was struggling past 12miles in a hour, I have just done 16.8m miles in 60mins so the legs and arse are remembering what its all about.
Interesting to note, so thanks for posting that. My 10.7mph was not pushing it by any stretch because, being the first ride of any distance in so long, I wasn't sure if I'd make it! I was also in jeans and t-shirt with some work stuff with me, so not at all prepared.Feel positive that I'm not a million miles off what others in a similar situation are doing.
Hoping to get out tomorrow for a ride (if the arse has recovered
) so will be interesting to see what I manage. Might also be easier if I don't travel quite so far from home, so I know I'm not stranded if the heart packs up!wiggy001 said:
Interesting to note, so thanks for posting that. My 10.7mph was not pushing it by any stretch because, being the first ride of any distance in so long, I wasn't sure if I'd make it! I was also in jeans and t-shirt with some work stuff with me, so not at all prepared.
Feel positive that I'm not a million miles off what others in a similar situation are doing.
Hoping to get out tomorrow for a ride (if the arse has recovered ) so will be interesting to see what I manage. Might also be easier if I don't travel quite so far from home, so I know I'm not stranded if the heart packs up!
When on a MTB I never really thought to much about the gears per se as you choose the best depending upong what hill you were going up, I seemed to spend more time mucking about on my downhill/cross country hybrid thing at the time.Feel positive that I'm not a million miles off what others in a similar situation are doing.
Hoping to get out tomorrow for a ride (if the arse has recovered
) so will be interesting to see what I manage. Might also be easier if I don't travel quite so far from home, so I know I'm not stranded if the heart packs up!Having read a few threads on here I am getting the balancing the lungs and legs thing. I seem to yo yo from legs buring to lungs burning, I am sure once the legs get back in the groove then I can start getting the right cedannce (spelling?) and increaing the speed. It obviously isn't allowed to get easier.
I've been (road) cycling for about 25 years, and I honestly think I can remember every mechanical problem I've had:
Punctures - plenty of them. But not nearly so many now as tyres are much better.
Spoke breakages (two, I think) - both on the rear wheel drive side and not fixable on the roadside. On both occasions I was able to "limp" home but the wheel was knackered.
Broken chain (once)
Broken rear gear mech (once)
Crank came loose and fell off (once - should have been fixable, but I didn't have a big enough allen key)
Pedal fell apart (once)
Punctures - plenty of them. But not nearly so many now as tyres are much better.
Spoke breakages (two, I think) - both on the rear wheel drive side and not fixable on the roadside. On both occasions I was able to "limp" home but the wheel was knackered.
Broken chain (once)
Broken rear gear mech (once)
Crank came loose and fell off (once - should have been fixable, but I didn't have a big enough allen key)
Pedal fell apart (once)
A purpose built saddle pouch. Topeak are very good. I have only one which goes on all bikes.
Two/three tubes. Pre-dusted and wrapped in cling film.
Tyre levers.
Material for mending a split tyre + tube of super glue.
Punture outfit, (last resort).
CO2 pump, spare bulbs.
Multi tool, incl chain breaker.
KMC missing links for joining chain.
Latex gloves and some dry tissue for wiping stuff if it is wet.
Length of nylon string. (You can hang bike from tree or fence, if avaialable, saves lying it in the dirt.)
A neoprene mini pouch, goes in jersey pocket for: Money, cards, mini pen and paper to write on, cafe lock. Attached loop for keys. Carry card with name, address and emergency info on it. Including medical data.
Mobile phone. Make sure it has all the necessary numbers on it, including ICE, (In case of Emergency).
Mini-pump.
Energy gels.
If you are diabetic, like me, have a label to that effect on your helmet, also your blood group.
Two/three tubes. Pre-dusted and wrapped in cling film.
Tyre levers.
Material for mending a split tyre + tube of super glue.
Punture outfit, (last resort).
CO2 pump, spare bulbs.
Multi tool, incl chain breaker.
KMC missing links for joining chain.
Latex gloves and some dry tissue for wiping stuff if it is wet.
Length of nylon string. (You can hang bike from tree or fence, if avaialable, saves lying it in the dirt.)
A neoprene mini pouch, goes in jersey pocket for: Money, cards, mini pen and paper to write on, cafe lock. Attached loop for keys. Carry card with name, address and emergency info on it. Including medical data.
Mobile phone. Make sure it has all the necessary numbers on it, including ICE, (In case of Emergency).
Mini-pump.
Energy gels.
If you are diabetic, like me, have a label to that effect on your helmet, also your blood group.
wiggy001 said:
Hi all,
Just after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump
Multi-tool
Puncture kit
The aforementioned shorts
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses)
Water bottle
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home.
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
Spare mech hanger! Whilst I hope it doesn't happen, it's a sacrificial part and should you fall or do something awful to your gears, it's handy to have ready in yer' toolkit rather than have to dig around for one in the shops.Just after a bit of advice really.
Just getting back into cycling after 17+ years, and picked up my Specialized Sirrus Elite last night. First ride in many years was to ride it home (12 miles in an hour and I didn't die, so quite pleased!), so I know I need to padded shorts! But other than that, what bits should a casual cyclist own and carry with them on rides? I'm thinking:
Pump
Multi-tool
Puncture kit
The aforementioned shorts
Glasses (hoping I get on with contact lens so I can get some fairly cheap glasses)
Water bottle
And Cleaner/lube etc for when I get home.
Anything else I should add to my basic kit list, and any recommendations on any of the above? I already have a helmet, lock, lights and Strava running on my iPhone...
Thanks in advance.
Jimbo. said:
Spare mech hanger! Whilst I hope it doesn't happen, it's a sacrificial part and should you fall or do something awful to your gears, it's handy to have ready in yer' toolkit rather than have to dig around for one in the shops.
Finding the right one is an achievement, there must be about 250 different ones.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff