Bike accessories, bits and bobs

[mstrmind5]

Hi there,

I'm in the process of picking a bike to use for commuting, but I also need to budget for extras that I might/need to get as well. Could anyone help provide list in order on priority of what extras I would need, so helmet, mudguards and the like. What bits can I put off getting immediately?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Garry A]

Spare tubes, some tools and a small pump will be useful.

 

[Tiger10]

Locks. Lights . Wet weather gear . Oakley's.

 

[vickster]

Pannier rack and bags
Gloves
Membership of an organisation providing 3rd party indemnity and legal cover (eg British cycling which will also get you 10% off at halfords)

Read this too https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-essential-guide-for-new-commuters.56622/

 

[Dec66]

For the bike:

Tyres with a good balance between rolling resistance and puncture proofing (http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com is useful here)
A good set of lights
Decent mudguards

For you:
Clothing to wick away sweat in warm weather
Clothing to keep you warm and dry in cold/wet weather
A decent helmet
Good gloves
Glasses with interchangeable shatterproof lenses (always check the UV protection).

For you to carry:
Multitool
Tyre levers
Two spare tubes
CO2 inflator with two spare cartridges (and perhaps a mini pump for "belt and braces" purposes)

Obviously a phone, credit/debit card and a bit of cash, which you'd probably have anyway. In your phone, the number of any LBS's on the route.

Good luck!

 

[cyberknight]

 

[Vantage]

Hi there,

I'm in the process of picking a bike to use for commuting, but I also need to budget for extras that I might/need to get as well. Could anyone help provide list in order on priority of what extras I would need, so helmet, mudguards and the like. What bits can I put off getting immediately?

Thanks a lot.

This depends on how far your commute is and how long it takes and what level of comfort you like.
Whether you want a helmet or not is entirely up to you but there is in my opinion, no need for one. Read the various helmet topics on numerous cycling forums and take on board any evidence or lack of evidence regarding their benefits and decide for yourself. Some folk swear by them and others think they're a waste of space and money.
If your commute is further than is comfortable to walk then a good pump, tyre levers, inner tube or 2 and a puncture repair kit are the minimum I'd say. A set of tools to fit the nuts and bolts on your bike are handy if anything works loose but learn how to use it safely. The last thing you want is to go stripping a handlebar bolt through excessive force at 11pm in the freezing rain 10 miles from home.
Mudguards are handy at keeping most wet at bay but if its chucking down you're gonna get soaked regardless of what you wear. I'm pro mudguard btw. These can wait till winter ish probably. The odd wet day here and there during summer won't kill you.
Lights are in my opinion a year round necessity. They're not there for just night time but in poor light also. This is why daylight driving lights are now required on modern vehicles.
If you're bringing spare clothes on the commute then a rack of some sort is an idea and either panniers or a drybag strapped to the rack will do the job.
Get a good lock if the bike is out of your sight for any length of time. Ask yourself how easily you can replace the bike if Jonny scumbag nicks it then decide if that £1.99 special is such a bargain against the £60 kryptonite model.
No lock is 100% thief proof, but a good heavy one will deter/slow down the opportunist.
Which particular pump etc you get is another series of choices best searched (there's endless threads of these questions) or asked separately.