Few Accessories for Commuting Beginners

BicyclesBuddy

I am just a newbie in cycling and commuting, so pardon me if I miss anything from this list This are the stuff that I thought would be necessary to any beginners in commuting.

Must Have
Kickstand
Quality Helmet
Water Bottle Stand
Head Light and Tail Light

Can Wait
Cyclocomputer

Are this stuff enough ?

slowbike

you don't need a kickstand ...

lights - yes

you're missing everything to do with repairing your bike on the road ...

Multi-tool including chain breaker
Tyre levers
Pump
2 spare tubes
instant patches
Tyreboot
Chain Quicklink

markhewitt1978

Kickstand - You don't need that, unless you have a specific requirement, most bikes don't have them.
Quality Helmet - Yes
Water Bottle Stand - Bottle cage? Yes, if your commute is short e.g. <30 minutes you could get away without one.
Head Light and Tail Light - If you're riding in the dark, yes, it's a legal requirement.

Cyclocomputer - Right, something to be said for cycling without numbers!

You also need, pump, puncture repair kit or spare tube or both. Tyre levers. Multitool.

Appropriate clothing for cycling in all weathers. Doesn't have to be cycling specific but it helps.

jonnyboy77

computer isn't important - but I would counter thats there is a lot positive about riding with numbers, I certainly found it incredibly beneficial to keep track of mileage/time spent riding on the commute and used the improvements seen to spur me on to ride further/longer.

Its not for everyone, and I don't obsess about real time data, my commute is recorded but I don't get to see my current/average speed or distance covered displayed on my handlebars. I tuck my iPhone in my pocket and leave it recording Strava.

Riding on the weekends I do use a Garmin Edge, but not bothered with it on the commute.

I carry:
- mini pump
- 2x tubes
- patches/repair kit
- multi tool
- first aid kit (small)
- lock
- waterproof bag with my clean clothes & him kit in
- jacket (lightweight)

all stuffed into my DHB Slice 30l Rucksack for a 15 mile commute

- Jon

chris_bass

I have -
on me
gloves (never ride without them, fingerless in the summer)
glasses, clear lenses in the dark, sunglasses in the light (stops things flying in your eyes!)
waterproof socks
helmet

on the bike
lights
computer (i like numbers so wouldnt be without it)
water bottle holder
mud guards at this time of year

kit in the bag-
mini pump
spare tubes
tyre levers
multi tool (with chain splitter)
extra chain link

but really as long as you have your phone and wallet you cn get out of most situations!

things to consider getting that you wont need on the bike are
chain cleaner and lube
a good set of allen keys
a maintenance book (or search on you tube) - this has saved me a lot of money doing my own maintenance.

Doris Day

Good grief!

I just carry

Lights, pump,2tubes 1or 2 bottles and a patch kit.
I can't be done with all the other tat people carry.

The Rookie

Carry
Lights (winter), tube plus 2 self adhesive patches, tyre levers (how you getting the tyre off Doris?), multitool with chain tool and a power link, additionally I run 2 powerlinks on the chain one inner apart so can always fix the chain losing at worst my lowest gear. I also carry a very lightweight waterproof top.

Wear
Helmet, gloves or mitts with T-shirt and shorts and a soft shell in winter.

Water - no need up to a 45 minute commute.

MichaelW

gloves, like helmets are only necessary in a crash but when you do crash, they are vital.

You dont need to sip water all the time. If you drink before the commute you won't dehydrate.
I carry a 250cc bottle mainly for emergency use (delays or washing)
mud guards any this time of year
Rear luggage rack.

veterangaz

My £10 hi viz waterproof bag cover was one of my best buys. Hi viz jackets are great but almost pointless if you have a rucksack over them so this makes up for it.

drummer_boy

You might also want to think about a lock.

I keep my locks attached to the bike rack at work, when I travel, so I don't have to cart them around with me.

That's unless you can put the bike somewhere that's secure.

cremator

how do you carry all this stuff sorry new here

veterangaz

cremator wrote:

how do you carry all this stuff sorry new here

I have a small rucksack I have on my back. In the main bit work shirt, socks, boxers and deodorant and wet wipes ( I leave trousers, jacket and shoes at work) and then in side compartment spare tubes, tyre leavers, spare socks/boxers for when I forget to bring some in! So even if I have a big packed lunch still plenty of room in bag and it isn't heavy so no sweat from it, would hate to use panniers as would be concerned they make me a bigger target for a car to hit when they drive by.

Locks left at work, lights go in my jacket pocket as don't leave them on bike during day, lock helmet up to bike. Also leave a coat at work for when I go out on lunch breaks as I don't want to wear my cycle jacket. Been doing this for 4 years, never had more than a puncture to deal with so don't see the need for all this extra repair business.

Ngalbrai

Track pump with pressure guage for home. Whatever tyres you are running wil benefit from being at or nearly at max pressure all the time, will make the bike roll better and avoid pinch flats. Absolutely essential in my view, amazed at how many bikes parked at work have almost flat tyres, its such a fundamental thing that dramatically affects the feel of the bike.

cyberknight

cremator wrote:

how do you carry all this stuff sorry new here

Panniers
this is my current list
2 inner tubes
multi tool with chain tool
tyre levers
c02 pump
mini pump
patches
quick link
tyre boot
spare bit for fenders if they rub
windproof
waterproof overshoes
rainlegs ( leggings for rain)
sandwiches
work clothes
2 sets of keys
phone
Lights 2 front 2 rear , in winter that goes up to 3 rear , a see me front light, xml t6 .