Newbie Advice

bpsmith

Hi guys. Totally new roadie here. Fancied getting into this for years. Moved house and planned to buy next year, but work started the cycle2work scheme and couldn't help myself. Always jump head first in, so bought a Giant Defy 1 2014 model. Had a 20 mile ride out to try it and its awesome. Chuffed to bits.

Anyway, got no gear yet so after advice.

Want a computer. Any ideas? Ideally gps, as want to sync with Strava for motivation.

Bib shorts and Jersey? My butt really hurt after the first ride and need some padding. Like the look of the Castelli gear, but is it better material and tech wise or is it just design? Any cheaper brands worth looking at first?

Pedals and Shoes? Got clip type pedals with it. Should I get used to t first before grabbing clip less? Any deals worth considering?

Any help really appreciated. Not got oodles of cash to spend, but don't like to buy cheap and twice. Would rather prioritise instead if needbe?

Gizmodo

bpsmith wrote:

Want a computer. Any ideas? Ideally gps, as want to sync with Strava for motivation.

Bib shorts and Jersey? My butt really hurt after the first ride and need some padding. Like the look of the Castelli gear, but is it better material and tech wise or is it just design? Any cheaper brands worth looking at first?

Pedals and Shoes? Got clip type pedals with it. Should I get used to t first before grabbing clip less? Any deals worth considering?

GPS computer, Garmin Edge 200, 500/510, or 800/810 if you want full maps. Or Bryton Rider 20, 40, 50, 60 - better value than Garmin. Or Cateye Stealth 50.

Castelli gear is very good quality. For value for money try Wiggle's own brand stuff - DHB. But if you like Castelli, you won't go wrong.

If you've got the bug go clipless as soon as pos. Plenty of threads on clipless - if you're commuting and want to walk in cycling shoes use SPD. If you want more pro looking road shoes you have a massive choice, SPD-SL, Look, Time and Speedplay.

bpsmith

Cheers. Been looking at the Cateye already. Saw the Stealth 10 for a good price, but then the 50 allows the addition of the ANT+ stuff, should I go down that route late. Only downside is that some reviews say it has issues with the Mac on UK models strangely.

Clip less is definitely the way I want to go tbh, but its a cost thing for the time being and computer and clothing is more of a priority straight away. Would live to be doing all together though, no question there.

Gizmodo

bpsmith wrote:

Cheers. Been looking at the Cateye already. Saw the Stealth 10 for a good price, but then the 50 allows the addition of the ANT+ stuff, should I go down that route late. Only downside is that some reviews say it has issues with the Mac on UK models strangely.

Clip less is definitely the way I want to go tbh, but its a cost thing for the time being and computer and clothing is more of a priority straight away. Would live to be doing all together though, no question there.

It depends how much you are into your "data". If you're like me and you like to see pretty graphs of everything after a ride, then a GPS computer with ANT+ allows you to record speed, the course, cadence, heart rate and even power (an expensive upgrade much later down the line).

If however you're not really into computers and data then spend less on the computer, go for just speed and distance, ignore GPS and buy some clip-less pedals and shoes. They will help you ride the bike better, a computer won't. If you have a smart phone you can always use Strava or Endomondo (http://road.cc/content/feature/72334-10 ... ining-apps) for the GPS stuff.

Sorry, no experience with Mac, I haven't used one since 1986.

bpsmith

Sadly, I am a geek at heart, and so the data element factors high on the list for me. I am reigning myself in by looking at the cheaper end of the scale. I do have an iPhone that I could use, but then that brings about extra complication. Do I mount it on the stem? Do I keep it in pocket or bag? Do I buy one of the new products that links to the iPhone, which is left safe in bag or pocket?

Lots of things to consider.

I don't fancy the idea of damaging it that's all. :-(

doug5_10

You should be taking your phone out with you anyway for emergencies, leave it on flight mode to save the battery with Strava running in your jersey pocket and it'll be fine.

teisetrotter

Hi if you want good value high quality bibs and tops try:
Shutt Velo : http://www.shuttvr.com/shop/category/27/
Torm : http://www.torm.cc/jerseys.html

But obviously the summer sales are on.

With shoes it is all about comfort and apparently sole stiffness. Remember though these shoes will last years as they are just going on the bike. Go to the LBS go for the most comfortable for your width and insole type and then do the can I bend the sole test. Apparently less flex means less power loss ........ probably rubbish at our level, but hey who knows.

simonhead

Regarding Bibs, i have tried a few mid priced pairs and have settled with Endura FS260's find them very comfortable. The Endura stuff seems to suit a stocky (large ar$e) frame but its worth going to a shop and trying a few.

Pedal and shoe combo - depends on the riding you are doing, if you are using the bike for stop start commuting you cant go wrong with a pair of bog standard spd's and mid priced shoes (again try them on). SPDs are dead easy to clip in and out of and it makes life easier if you are constantly clipping in and out.

markhewitt1978

bpsmith wrote:

Sadly, I am a geek at heart, and so the data element factors high on the list for me. I am reigning myself in by looking at the cheaper end of the scale. I do have an iPhone that I could use, but then that brings about extra complication. Do I mount it on the stem? Do I keep it in pocket or bag? Do I buy one of the new products that links to the iPhone, which is left safe in bag or pocket?

Lots of things to consider.

I don't fancy the idea of damaging it that's all. :-(

My solution is to have a cheapish computer mounted on the stem, which gives me my speed, distance etc. Then my iPhone stays in my jersey pocket running the Strava app. Drawback here is that anything over 3 hours and you're going to be running low on battery. So I have a Mophie powerstation external battery which will run the phone all day and still have 100% charge at the end.

Of course if you invest in a Garmin with GPS in the first place you can use that for tracking and your phone will just be your phone