Accessories for beginner?

[ShaneWBA]

I posted back in Sept about getting a new bike, I never got round to it but looking to finally get one in the next week

What accessories does a beginner need to get at the same time as getting a bike, I’m thinking everything no matter how obvious such as a helmet, lights Etc but I’m wondering if theres other things people can suggest that I may not think of as its been that long since I owned a bike (back in my teens!)

 

[vickster]

Mitts to protect your hands
Bottle cage
Mini tool
Track pump
Mini pump
Tyre levers
Inner tube
Pedals, the ones provided are usually poor
Something to hold the stuff you’ll be carrying
Some sort of glasses to protect your eyes from bugs and grit
A good lock if you plan to stop

insurance for the bike (home insurance usually cheapest, check with provider)

 

[Pale Rider]

Nothing - you could ride the bike in what you are wearing now.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Just stuff to repair punctures, other than that you don’t need any other accessories. The mark 1 tucking trousers into socks still works or wear any old shorts when warmer.

 

[MichaelW2]

People often say helmet and gloves for PPE. I say gloves and helmet. On my various crashes I have shaved mm off my leather mitts that would otherwise be skin.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd say gloves were a must, I don't wear a helmet and never have but I've never banged my head when falling off either.

 

[HLaB]

Nothing - you could ride the bike in what you are wearing now.

I agree with PR, nothing is a must to stop you getting out riding a lot of the things listed are good to have. When I was a kid I had none of it and survived

 

[MichaelW2]

I agree with PR, nothing is a must to stop you getting out riding a lot of the things listed are good to have. When I was a kid I had none of it and survived

When I was 10 I took a corner covered in sand a bit too quickly. I wiped out and slid, hand first across the road. Ouch. And hands unlike knees, take a long time to heal and you really need them.

 

[Gunk]

As other have said definitely gloves and a helmet.

Get a decent small tool kit, oil, degreaser, a folding Allen key set, spare inner tube, pump, tyre levers, puncture repair kit etc. Get used to fixing your own bike, they do need constant cleaning and maintenance to keep them in tip top condition.

 

[numbnuts]

Nothing - you could ride the bike in what you are wearing now.

He could be naked

 

[vickster]

As other have said definitely gloves and a helmet.

Get a decent small tool kit, oil, degreaser, a folding Allen key set, spare inner tube, pump, tyre levers, puncture repair kit etc. Get used to fixing your own bike, they do need constant cleaning and maintenance to keep them in tip top condition.

I’ve never used degreaser in my life...hardly essential?

 

[Mrs M]

Lights for your night riding

 

[raleighnut]

He could be naked

Never stopped you has it.

 

[Reynard]

Gloves, glasses and skid lid for yourself, plus a few basic tools and consumables for the bike. Things like a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, a small but decent pump (e.g. topeak pocket rocket), tyre levers and a multitool (any of the topeak ones are good) . Plus either a saddle bag or bar bag to put your gubbins in and lights if you'll be out at dusk or at night.

Beyond that, my advice is this: don't go splurging on anything else just yet. Buy things when you actually find you have a need for them. It prevents a lot of expensive mistakes and focuses the mind on those bits that you'll find useful to have.

 

[JPBoothy]

Hi All, I managed to break my mini pump yesterday and need another quickly and would rather ask for your experience than spend ages looking through 'biased' sales blurb from each manufacturer.. I don't want a Co2 Gas jobby, just a tradition type that will achieve a decent pressure and can be used on both valve types. The Topeak Pocket Rocket has been mention. Any good?