getting my first bike in a few weeks

Matt the Tester
Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
edited September 2009 in Road beginners
hi all..

i'm getting my first bike in a few weeks and i don't know much about equipment and what to take when im cycling in general, could someone please what is what for someone just starting out.[/b]
Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
north west of england.

Comments

  • incurab1e
    incurab1e Posts: 84
    A good pair of bibshorts are what turned 40miles from being a hoffific ass burning torture session to something resembling pleasure

    I read around and got the giordana tenax laser bib shorts - they seem to be one of the best for the money and i've found them to be great fitting and well padded.

    its like sitting on a cloud
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Blog
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Just Giving

    My band what plays Metal mate
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    oo, cheers mate, £60 ouch bit steep lol i still need to buy a helmet and everything else too :shock:
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • incurab1e
    incurab1e Posts: 84
    mine were £60 i think but the prices vary massively, google shopping it up and see what you can see.

    They are definately worth the money - i spent the 1st 10 months or so of riding thinking that this stuff is well overpriced but it makes a huge difference from the £5 padded shorts i got from Aldi :-)
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Blog
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Just Giving

    My band what plays Metal mate
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    hehe cheers mate anything else i should think about getting?
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • incurab1e
    incurab1e Posts: 84
    gloves as its coming up to winter i guess

    I reckon i've got minimal stuff - but its still pricey. I got:

    helmet
    bib shorts
    gloves
    shoes
    pump (mini for the bike and track for home - you won't get the full psi from the mini one but you'll be screwed if you puncture without it!!)
    Saddle bag and spare tube/repair kit
    and a jersey if you have enough - not strictly neccesary but good for holding food and shizz in the back.
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Blog
    LEJOG via 3 PEAKS Just Giving

    My band what plays Metal mate
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    ahh i got roughly 100 quid after i buy my bike, i take i need to save some ;)
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    any info would be fantastic! please help a desperate newbie :)
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Some lights might be a good idea, it'll be dark at half 4 soon.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    lol yeah any old lights will do yeah?
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    I was cycling behind my girlfriend at night who had similar cheap lights to me and once she was a few meters in front she wasn't very visible which worried me a bit so I swapped my lights recently for some really bright ones, the back light in particular is very large and bright and I feel a lot more visible/safe cycling though London at night.


    I got Cat Eye lights, cost me £50 at Evans, though I'm sure there are better bargains to be had online.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    ouch expensive lol, there a top priority though so thanks alot!
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Personally I'd at least get a decent back light.

    This is the one I have.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cat ... t-ec011592
  • Aspman77
    Aspman77 Posts: 92
    I got these lights from Wiggle.co.uk.

    Pretty good deal for a set and they are feckin bright. The rear was recommended to me in another thread but it wasn't much more for the set.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Smart ... 360026000/
  • uptonspark
    uptonspark Posts: 47
    We are in the UK and nobody has mentioned protecting yourself from the rain yet :wink:
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    lol yeah bloody weather im struggling to find the stuff i need at a reasonable price... i only have £100 after i buy my bike to get some equipment.
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • verloren
    verloren Posts: 337
    Check out Giordana's shorts at chainreactioncycles - they have a couple of pairs that have the same insert as the Tenax laser, giving you most of the comfort for £20 less.
    '09 Enigma Eclipse with SRAM.
    '10 Tifosi CK7 Audax Classic with assorted bits for the wet weather
    '08 Boardman Hybrid Comp for the very wet weather.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    ahh yes someone told me about them yesterday.

    i think what i need is

    gloves
    lights
    helmet
    shoes
    puncture repair kit
    bib shorts

    how much should that come to if im buying simple basics....

    i would like to buy those shorts though.
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Leesykoi
    Leesykoi Posts: 338
    Helmet has to be no 1 priority !!! (only got one head so protect it is my moto)

    Wet weather gear is a must for our inclement weather. Padded shorts are another must !!

    I bought two bottle(+cages) and LOOK easy pedals with some proper cycling shoes.

    Small saddle bag with tools + spare tubes + mini pump
    I like shiny bikes - especially Italian ones.....!!
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    thanks :)
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • CiB
    CiB Posts: 6,098
    Leesykoi wrote:
    Helmet has to be no 1 priority !!! (only got one head so protect it is my moto)

    Don't want to open up the helmet debate (yawn) but there's no legal requirement for one and if you're not convinced you need one, don't buy one.

    Pls don't start the debate again - it's been done to death. If you want one get one, but don't feel pressured into getting one.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    thanks for info but i will be buying a cheap helmet
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • Leesykoi
    Leesykoi Posts: 338
    Hi Chris,

    Certainly don't want to open a debate with regard to helmet use, just my personal opinion that if i have an 'off' i'm going to do everything i can within reason to minimise personal injury. If that means wearing a helmet so be it !!

    Everyone's own personal choice really...

    Lee.
    I like shiny bikes - especially Italian ones.....!!
  • mattward1979
    mattward1979 Posts: 692
    as a fellow Noob to the cycling scene, and as having first hand experience of the general motorists ignorance and pure indiffernece to our safety, Id just like to add this...

    Get a Crash lid... there is NO reason not to.

    i dont care if a cyclist of 90 years tells you that its a waste of money and a massive fashion faux pas, think of your own safety.

    you can look good dying, or look like a twat that lives to tell the tale.
    exercise.png

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