Newbie

hodgyoh7

Just purchased my first road bike, Cube Peleton 2013. Just waiting on delivery. Apart from the essentials ie shoes , bibshorts/longs, helmet, what are the other best essential items for a newbie.

Thanks

oxoman

Pump, Puncture repair kit, multi tool, chain splitter although could be part of multitool, spare innertube, spare chain link, lights, bottle. Windproof jacket. The list could be endless but the above is pretty much what i started with and just build up stuff as you go on. If you look back at previous posts there is loads of advice. Nice bike get out there and enjoy it.

danlikesbikes

Puncture repair kit, spare inner, tyre levers and pump and/or Co2.

Plus in this weather a pair of gloves, gilet, rain cape & chamios cream.

zx6man

oxoman wrote:

Pump, Puncture repair kit, multi tool, chain splitter although could be part of multitool, spare innertube, spare chain link, lights, bottle. Windproof jacket. The list could be endless but the above is pretty much what i started with and just build up stuff as you go on. If you look back at previous posts there is loads of advice. Nice bike get out there and enjoy it.

this + a pair of latex gloves and in a small bag behind your seat to keep it all in.

Anonymous

Would 2nd the windproof jacket or jersey ;-)
Dont forget glasses. Swapable clear lenses (or second pair) are a must imo.
Have fun ;-)

EPO Delivery Man

Firstly, congrats on the new baby, enjoy it.

Other than the stuff you mentioned ie: shoes, jerseys, gloves etc i would say for sure:

saddle bag to contain:
spare inner tube
tube repair kit
tyre levers
small multi tool
(if you have a cheap mobile phone and a sim card i would advise having one of these in the bag too with an ICE number in it, especially if you ride on your own and are unfortunately injured in an accident)
£10 note

two bottle cages
two bottles
mini-pump or gas inflator
rear light
front light (assuming you might want to ride in the evenings)
glasses

Probablys but not essential:
Bike computer (various ones around)

worth having but not always needed:
Some energy gels
Zero tablets for water

bound to be other things but thats just off my head. I would say the saddle bag with the contents i mentioned is probably the most important as it can cover a wide area of events.

Anonymous

Camelbak bottles with 'jet valve' are great if you want a recommendation.
I got the insulated version :-)

hodgyoh7

Thanks for the quick response everyone! Much appreciated. Just looking at pricing it all up now! One quick question though: Should i buy good quality bib tights/longs or go for the cheaper options, i have seen alot of gear by tenn outdoors on amazon that gets good reviews. Or is this a case of buy cheap buy twice. Not got a huge budget?

danlikesbikes

I have some tenn bibs and they are quite good.

My only concern with them was the mesh in the rear panel is too low for me & I get a chill when wearing in all but hot conditions. They are good if wearing under full length bibs & go get used on the rollers & for spinning with though.

smoggysteve

I am sure I speak for a lot of cyclist here when I say, no matter what you buy, you will never be satisfied. You will want to buy more and more. improving little bits here and there. Its best to just get the basics you need to get out and add things when you feel you really want them or need them. The bare essentials should be whatever you need to wear and anything you may need to get you home again if you break down (puncture, chain breaking etc) Get used to the bike before you start adding things that are more a luxury than a necessity.

oxoman

Tenn gear is not to bad Decathlon gear is better but don't bother with muddyfox. Water bottles with covers over mouth piece are best, doesn't matter what crud that goes on the outside then. You should be able to get the basics in a small bag mounted under the rear of your saddle, i use a water bottle size container with all my gear in my second cage. Pump wise pocket rocket or gas cartridge type.

KonkyWonky

Can second Decathlon for decent clothing.

zx6man

Carbonator wrote:

Camelbak bottles with 'jet valve' are great if you want a recommendation.
I got the insulated version :-)

Yup, great bottles

keef66

Does the new bike come with pedals? Might sound like a silly question, but some don't.

hodgyoh7

No it doesnt come with pedals however they are on the shopping list. Cheers

zx6man

Have to say its quite a nice bike that too, ooh, they do it in a compact version...

hodgyoh7

I have got it the compact version, cant wait for it to arrive now!

tetley10

I picked my Peloton up before Christmas. I love it.

lotus49

Danlikesbikes wrote:

...chamios cream.

I have to say that chamois cream does not fall into the category of essential items for a beginner. I'd hazard a guess that most people never use it.

simon_masterson

lotus49 wrote:

Danlikesbikes wrote:

...chamios cream.

I have to say that chamois cream does not fall into the category of essential items for a beginner. I'd hazard a guess that most people never use it.

Indeed; I was going to make much the same comment. I daresay that it is nice to have whatever your ride duration and intensity (though Sudocrem is also reasonably good), but it shouldn't be mistaken for a substitute for good quality shorts and the right saddle, and proper bike fitting; if you have all of those accounted for (I know I don't) and your tender parts are still wanting, chamois cream might be the solution, but the average beginner probably isn't going to be spending 9 hours in the saddle or going for it hell for leather in time trial position!