Apart from a bike.....what else MUST I have?

[daveplums]

Hi all, I would appreciate any advice regarding "must have" equipment and clothing. I am in the process of acquiring a bike, but I'm clueless to what else I need to purchase. Can you help? Thanks

 

[Sittingduck]

Padded shorts
Gloves / mitts
Mini pump
Spare tube/s
Tyre levers
Patches
Computer / GPS
Some form of clipless pedals (prob SPDs to start)
Cotton cycling caps

 

[Fubar]

Padded shorts
Gloves / mitts
Mini pump
Spare tube/s
Tyre levers
Patches
Computer / GPS
Some form of clipless pedals (prob SPDs to start)
Cotton cycling caps

As above plus good fitting Helmet!

 

[I like Skol]

You WILL have a puncture at some point so prepare for this. An inner tube, pump and any tools needed for your bike (spanners and tyre levers?) and make sure you practice the routine of swapping an inner tube in the comfort of your own home so that when it happens on a dark, wet, windy and cold day you know exactly what to do with the minimum of fuss.

 

[biggs682]

at least 2 other bike and a garage or shed full of spare parts

 

[mcshroom]

Spare tube, tyre levers and puncture repair kit (including decent pump) should be all you really need.

Padded shorts are a good idea, and the rest of the stuff given above would be nice to have but not essential. Helmet is quite definitely optional.

 

[Bluenite]

Track pump+ mini pump
repair kit
tubes
lights
blooming good locks
insurance
add more later on

post a pic please of your new joy toy.

 

[paulw1969]

2 spare tubes
patches
tyre levers
multitool/allen keys to fit bike
small pump or co2
rucksack/panniers/ or small tool bag for the above

and for you
water bottle/s
padded shorts/leggings (the padding helps! especially if you are just starting out)
some sort of headwear to keep the head warm/shaded.
that would do to get you started i reckon

edit: i really must learn to type a little faster..

 

[sabian92]

Personally, apart from a bike, I'd have:

Helmet
Lights
Spare tube
tyre levers
decent lock
gloves/padded shorts

and if you're planning on commuting, a rack + panniers.

 

[I like Skol]

I would appreciate any advice regarding "must have" ........ but I'm clueless to what else I need to purchase.

Padded shorts (try without first, for some peole and for shorter trips they might not be necessary)
Gloves / mitts (for cold days or if you find you have problems with hand comfort)
Mini pump (Yes, definitely a pump of some kind)
Spare tube/s (Yes)
Tyre levers (Many tyres will come off by hand, try yours and see)
Patches (Yes, a cheap puncture kit for a few quid in case of multiple punctures)
Computer / GPS (You are kidding right?)
Some form of clipless pedals (prob SPDs to start) (See comp/GPS)
Cotton cycling caps (Ditto!)

I think Sittingduck must have his tongue firmly in cheek when making this list, see my additional notes.

 

[Peteaud]

Spare tube, tyre levers and puncture repair kit (including decent pump) should be all you really need.

Padded shorts are a good idea, and the rest of the stuff given above would be nice to have but not essential. Helmet is quite definitely optional.

+1
Lots of stuff nice to have but not 100% required.

 

[Sittingduck]

I think Sittingduck must have his tongue firmly in cheek when making this list, see my additional notes.

Not really. I suppose it depends on your definition of 'must have'. And I think I have only ever had one set of road tyres that come off without levers. Each to their own and all that...

 

[Dave Martin]

Nice weather

 

[Speedywheelsjeans]

Not really. I suppose it depends on your definition of 'must have'. And I think I have only ever had one set of road tyres that come off without levers. Each to their own and all that...

I agree, Ive only had one pair that came off without levers, they were cheap and lasted under 400 miles. They cost barely anything and weigh next to nothing, better having them in your arsenal than fighting with a tough tyre bead.

 

[mcshroom]

I think I've only ever had one pair that didn't need levers (ok I know Spa Cycles have a video showing you can fit Marathon+ without levers, but I'm referring to me here) and they were some MTB tyres. I do use puncture protected tyres almost exclusively though which means I have to remove them very infrequently anyway.