1st bike in 22 years...lots of questions!

[Mattlehat]

So Ive just bought a 2nd hand Fuji Nevada 2.0 at a good price and it's only 3 months old - got the receipt from Evans too so I know it's legit.
I havent had a bike since I passed my driving test 22 years ago so I'm wondering has much changed in that time?

What are considered essentials for bike riding these days?
Is it still a nightmare trying to repair punctures with a bucket of water needed and a tonne of swarfega?
Any safety checks I should do before a long ride?
I would like a nice comfortable saddle as I have a bony backside!, not too worried about weight. Any recommendations?
As it's starting to get darker in the evenings now (depressing!) what's the best way to be seen? What lights are recommended?

Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be answering other peoples not too far in the future!

Thanks

 

[Herzog]

So Ive just bought a 2nd hand Fuji Nevada 2.0 at a good price and it's only 3 months old - got the receipt from Evans too so I know it's legit.
I havent had a bike since I passed my driving test 22 years ago so I'm wondering has much changed in that time?

What are considered essentials for bike riding these days?
Is it still a nightmare trying to repair punctures with a bucket of water needed and a tonne of swarfega?
Any safety checks I should do before a long ride?
I would like a nice comfortable saddle as I have a bony backside!, not too worried about weight. Any recommendations?
As it's starting to get darker in the evenings now (depressing!) what's the best way to be seen? What lights are recommended?

Sorry for all the questions, hopefully I'll be answering other peoples not too far in the future!

Thanks

Puctures = easy to repare using patches either by the side of the road, or at home.
Safety check before ride = M check (http://www.doitbycycle.com/maintenance/bikecheck.aspx). Usually brakes and steering check is enough before a ride.
Saddle = Charge spoons get good reviews, though try before you buy.
Lights = this depends on where you are cyling (i.e., unlit vs lit roads). If it's lit, you could get a way with flashing lights (Cateye lights are decent). If you'll be riding on unlit roads, then a good re-chargable light would be useful (I use a Mininewt 250).

 

[Evil Rabbit]

What are considered essentials for bike riding these days?
Is it still a nightmare trying to repair punctures with a bucket of water needed and a tonne of swarfega?
Any safety checks I should do before a long ride?
I would like a nice comfortable saddle as I have a bony backside!, not too worried about weight. Any recommendations?

Punctures - (1) Get some puncture resistant tyres and inner tubes (there are specific make and models). (2) take a spare inner tube with you (as well as a small patch kit) - it is quicker to just swap inner tubes and then patch at home. have the patch kit as well with you, in case you get another puncture on the ay home. Or as a complete alternative run tubeless tyres with puncture sealant liquid in the tyres. Finally, watch a few youtube videos on how to change the inner tube and away you go.

One thing I learnt is make sure you have all the tools on you for problems - I had a small multi tool, but my brakes needed another size allen key once and I was stuck after a fall. So worth checking you have all the basic bits covered with your tools.