Beginner: What essential gear to purchase?

[Paulus]

I would go with the old advice of fitting mudguards. They really do keep a load of crud off of the person. No muddy lines up the back or front.

 

[Merlin86]

Thank you for all the replies so far, that is very nice and helpful. Gloves, helmet, shorts, jacket and shoes are priority then.

To answer some questions:
1) Male, reasonably fit
2) Going from Northolt (W. London) to City of London (mainly through grand union canal)
3) I dont expect to commute this distance 5x a week for most of the year. I will very much continue to commute in on my motorcycle. Realistically, i am looking at commuting in 2 to 3 x a week. This may also be a seasonal ambition as I dont know what cycling will be like in the winter, I know very well how it is on a motorcycle though!

Having said that, in terms of bike accessories I suppose I will need a rack (for luggage), mudguards and spare tyre replacement kit. Would you be so kind to recommend some specific brands which are known for quality and durability please?

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I would recommend to upgrade to slime filled innertubes

 

[vickster]

Thank you for all the replies so far, that is very nice and helpful. Gloves, helmet, shorts, jacket and shoes are priority then.

To answer some questions:
1) Male, reasonably fit
2) Going from Northolt (W. London) to City of London (mainly through grand union canal)
3) I dont expect to commute this distance 5x a week for most of the year. I will very much continue to commute in on my motorcycle. Realistically, i am looking at commuting in 2 to 3 x a week. This may also be a seasonal ambition as I dont know what cycling will be like in the winter, I know very well how it is on a motorcycle though!

Having said that, in terms of bike accessories I suppose I will need a rack (for luggage), mudguards and spare tyre replacement kit. Would you be so kind to recommend some specific brands which are known for quality and durability please?

Mudguards, SKS Chromoplastics
Rack, Topeak plus slide on trunk bag with fold out panniers

What bike?

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Rack, Topeak plus slide on trunk bag with fold out panniers

Just bought these very impressed

 

[vickster]

Just bought these very impressed

Fail without the panniers if commuting

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Fail without the panniers if commuting

True, but not serious commuter & can manage with the small (8L) version, I was concerned about the pannier style ones, due to the weight limit of the rack it's only 9Kgs

 

[Venod]

I would recommend to upgrade to slime filled innertubes

Or tubeless tyres.

 

[vickster]

True, but not serious commuter & can manage with the small (8L) version, I was concerned about the pannier style ones, due to the weight limit of the rack it's only 9Kgs

I’ve never had an sue even with the panniers full. That’s a fixed rack not seatpost version

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I’ve never had an sue even with the panniers full. That’s a fixed rack not seatpost version

Mine's a V-type seat post one, hence why I was being circumspect about the weight

 

[vickster]

Mine's a V-type seat post one, hence why I was being circumspect about the weight

Fair enough, not keen on those as I’ve been told they can move (and I can carry a lot of stuff)

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Fair enough, not keen on those as I’ve been told they can move (and I can carry a lot of stuff)

Lol I bought it because the other one before did so much so it nearly got in the spokes. But so far so good

 

[Vantage]

Thank you for all the replies so far, that is very nice and helpful. Gloves, helmet, shorts, jacket and shoes are priority then.

I'd suggest you read up on cycling helmets before deeming one a priority.
Whereas your motorcycle helmets are designed and made to save your life, a cycle helmet is designed and made to be light, ventilated and to look pretty. They aren't even advertised by the manufacturers as safety items.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

They aren't even advertised by the manufacturers as safety items.

 

[Vantage]

I know I know

'wanders off to the naughty corner in the helmet thread'