Just got my first road bike, now for upgrades...

Spawn3323
Spawn3323 Posts: 22
edited April 2010 in Road buying advice
I have just bought my first road bike a specialized Allez 16 2010 for my commute to work (25miles round trip). I was advised that I would need to change my tires for commuting and to get clipless pedals for an easier ride.

Any reccomendations?

I have been looking at either continental gator skin tires or specialized armadillo tires?

And I have no idea about the pedals although a friend from work said to get MTB clipless pedals and shoes so that you can walk if needed.

Also any other kit/accessories worth looking at please list. I am an absolute begginer (to road biking)

thanks in advance.

Comments

  • guttertrash
    guttertrash Posts: 147
    Hi, I'm relatively new as well, and got a road bike a month ago after being a MTB rider for the past couple of years.

    I use MTB pedals on the road bike, mainly so that I dont need to have two pairs of cycling shoes, but as I understand it road bike shoes are much harder to walk in as there is very little flex in the soles.

    Tyres are a bugbear for me at the moment, having had three punctures in less than a month, so I'll also be looking for replacement tyres soon at this rate.

    Just make sure you have tools required to do roadside puncture repairs :)
    Ribble New Sportive
    Specialized Pitch Pro
  • MrBlond
    MrBlond Posts: 161
    You don't *need* to change your tyres, but may wish to (for something with greater puncture protection) if you find you're getting a lot of flats - really depends on your route though.

    Mine's a lot shorter than yours but is through london so I'm mostly riding over broken glass :-/

    SPDs are good, I wouldn't get 'proper' road pedals for commuting.

    Specialized Taho MTB shoes also very good - I use them for commuting and the odd tour, very comfy
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    it might be worth biding your time on the tires - see how they get on with your commute. You'll be wanting spare inner tubes, pump, multitool, levers, repair kit anyway.

    As for pedals - very personal choice. I ride spd or spd-sl on my commute and wouldn't like it any other way. If you've never tried then... it's a bit like learning to ride a bike, once you've sussed it it's great, I wouldn't want to learn on a commute. See how you get on...

    Mudguards? I've taken my raceblades off for the summer :oops: you may want some later on in the year.

    Clothing? Lycra shorts (under baggies if need be) warm top + base layer + waterproof / windproof at hand.
  • tenor
    tenor Posts: 278
    Vredestein Fortezzas give a great ride and are just as good as Gatorskins in my experience. A worthwhile upgrade.
    Double sided clipless pedals are very convenient and mean that you can use with shoe that you can actually still walk in!
  • Mettan
    Mettan Posts: 2,103
    Regards safety - get one of these (or similar) - Smart Superflash rear light:

    http://www.highonbikes.com/smart-3-led- ... stant.html

    Likewise, get a competent front light (at minimum a be-seen one that flashes)

    And possibly a high-vis jacket - or some kind of high-vis snap-band. Better being seen and slightly "safer", than dead or seriously injured.

    For tyres, Conti GP 4 Seasons are adequate and will give a good ride. For pedals, SPD's are adequate for commuting.

    (There's also a thriving commuting section on this forum for further advice etc).

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