Help with Christmas List

misterben

My current list of acquired kit is ridiculously small, and I reckon Christmas is the perfect time to stock up on shiny new stuff. But I need a bit of help prioritising from all you seasoned commuting veterans

What I currently have:
1 x Bike (borrowed)
1 x Front light (Smart halogen - eats 2AAs on a weekly basis )
1 x Rear light (Smart LED - nice 'n' bright)
1 x Ventura cycle computer
1 x pair of fingerless gloves
1 x track pump
1 x Cycle repair kit, including 2 metal tyre levers
1 x Cable lock (borrowed)
1 x Bell Venture Helmet (which I left on the train last week, and hasn't turned up in lost property at Glasgow Central )

Things I think I probably need/want:
Mudguards
Rack or reasonable size saddlebag
Legwear or some sort
Fingered gloves
Additional lighting
Proper shirts / wicking layers / etc
Decent tyres (not the knobbly MTB rubbish currently on the borrowed bike)
Spare inner tubes

Any advise on what would be best to get, anything else you think I need, and if I'm going for an online shop wishlist, which one is best would be hugely appreciated

LizPirrie

How long is a piece of string my friend!?!

I'd start with a decent set of lights. I've got Cateye front and back and they do not eat batteries quite as much as yours. I'd add some backups to your main lights. If you're going to commute through winter, you're going to need to be seen.

But, why a borrowed bike? Why not put a new bike on your christmas list, one to call your own. Then, if you add things like a rack, you wont have to take them off when you give the bike back. But remember, a bike is not just for Christmas...

Tyres and wheels are alway a good place to start when upgrading a bike. You can get some very good commuter tyres that are smoother than MTB knobblies but have better grip than road tyres.

What do you need to carry on your commute? I carry a laptop, which I put in a rucksack on my back as I feel that's safer and not getting bumped around quite as much.

As for online shopping, I'd go for www.ctcshop.org. If you are a member of the ctc (about £35 for the year) you get good discounts on a lot of kit and I've always found them good for quick delivery.

Happy commuting and I hope santa is good to you.

AidanR

Tires, lights, gloves!

If Santa's feeling particularly wealthy, there's always this...

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/r ... 7&t=586767

(not mine, I hasten to add)

Plax

I think you should go for mudguards. One of my best buys. I used to come home with mud and surface spray all over me. Bought mudguards (fixed ones, not the clip on or crud catcher types) and not a spec of mud!
Pannier rack is okay. I have one, but have taken it off. I get a sweaty back regardless (and can shower at work), so just use my new Hi Viz rucksack like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HI-VIZ-BACKPACK-R ... dZViewItem It's great!
For the winter months I also think you should get yourself some full fingered winter gloves and some kind of warm fleece/jumper. I have some Milano waterproof winter gloves. They are very cosy, with a bit of terry towelling stuff on the thumb to wipe your nose with There are probably better gloves out there, but I've never tried them. I have an Altura Aspen fleece, it's light, warm and fast drying.
Decent set of lights would be an idea. I use this one;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... nt%20Light
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of light it throws out. I cycle through a tunnel which is pitch black, and the light output quite surprised me. I didn't know there was steps in the tunnel to an access point until recently - in the daytime you can't see them as it's too dark! If you get some cateye lights go for the ones with an opticube lens. I use it in conjunction with a flashing LED.

prj45

Sound like you need a battery recharger and some rechargeable batteries.

carlstone

Dear Santa my list in order of priority would be:

Ebay for cheap old mtb to commuterise (I've seen 10-15 year old decent stuff go for £30)
Mudguards
Bib longs (dhb bib longs £30 wiggle)
Waterproof gloves (Altura shields)
Slick tyres (Schwalbe city slickers, got mine for £22 for pair including inner tubes, very p*******e resistant)
Overshoes (if you are wearing thick soled trainers then these probably wont fit)
Hi viz jacket (Altura Nevis)
Skull cap
Thermal underwear top (cheap warm base layer)
Hedy/buff


There you go. All for around £200.

I would also push for cheap spd shoes and cleats (about £60 for both if you shop around, ebay is your friend )

Clever Pun

don't forget lining gloves... cheap easy present that'll help keep your fingers toasty for longer

simon_e

LizPirrie wrote:

I'd go for www.ctcshop.org.

You surely mean http://www.ctcshop.com/