Bike ordered...now I need some advice for accessories!

[fatCyclist]

Same here, even though this particular store is 80 miles away and there is another Decathlon just 60 miles away.

By they way, did you buy a bike computer for your bike? Can't remember from the other threads? I've got this app on my android phone called strava which seems quite good, but I bet a computer is better. If you do have one, I'd like to know what you think of it, if it's worth it etc.

I'm using Strava on mine (an iPhone 3Gs). I didn't want to get a bike computer as I'd be constantly looking at the numbers. This way I can enjoy the ride, and see all the details at the end. Maybe when I'm much fitter/leaner I'd consider a cadence or power meter, but that's way off yet.

 

[voodoochilli]

I'm using Strava on mine (an iPhone 3Gs). I didn't want to get a bike computer as I'd be constantly looking at the numbers. This way I can enjoy the ride, and see all the details at the end. Maybe when I'm much fitter/leaner I'd consider a cadence or power meter, but that's way off yet.

My only problem with Strava is it seemed to want to wait for ages while it found the GPS signal. Perhaps now I've turned GPS on all the time it will be quicker to find it.

 

[RWright]

Well the irony is this morning whilst fitting under seat bag to Mrs Hs triban, I notice that it has no rear light and no valve dust caps. So I phone the store I collected it from yesterday and say I'm missing these bits, they apologise they will send parts to me but they don't have any dust caps spare so will send me a set of two inner tubes with caps ! Result I have to say on both occasions I have been to Decathlon their customer service is excellent.

That is nice getting the free inner tubes. Very good customer service. If they are presta valves just throw away the dust caps on the new tubes when you get a puncture and you will be set. The first thing I do when I use a new presta tube is throw away the dust cap. If you check your pressure regularly they become more of a nuisance than anything else.

 

[fatCyclist]

My only problem with Strava is it seemed to want to wait for ages while it found the GPS signal. Perhaps now I've turned GPS on all the time it will be quicker to find it.

I've only used it for one ride, but unlike a walking app I had, it picked up the GPS straight away. I'll monitor it over the coming days, but so far I'm impressed with it.

 

[Chris Norton]

strava's own app stops after a while for me. using ipbike at the mo. much better.

 

[Paul Greenhough]

Finally ordered a Triban 3 from Coventry who are going to let me use a courier! WOOT! By the way, any advice on this? Paisley Freight is cheap, but are they ok? Anyone recommend a good one?

Questions:

Helmet - does everyone wear one? I'm thinking I should get one, is this a must?
Trainers - I only have work shoes, big clumpy things. I'm thinking of getting some of these, please tell me if you think they are too retro or too bouncy for cycling. Want to get something cheap.
Lights - cheapo ones..any recommendation? Used to like the dynamo ones but I guess that's old school too, right?
Bike lock - recommendation? Again, cheap
Anything else? (Not getting lycra! Not yet anyway...)

If you have a Lidl supermarket near you pay a visit now, stand pump with pressure gauge £5 and is as good as the one my son paid £20 for, helmet with rear light £10, and a boat load of other offers to good to mention?

 

[Sara_H]

Voodoochilli - this is a very good price for this lock:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ABUS-Gran...sure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item257c09d1d5

 

[vickster]

£10 for delivery but then it's a weighty beast!

 

[Nomadski]

Front light - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moon-comet-front-light/ USB charged, 7 hrs standard beam, 100 lumen output, small enough you can add a second if you want more light. Really been impressed with this little devil.

Rear Light - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/redlite-mega-rear-light-ec033842 100 hrs blinking on 2xAAA batteries, included. Loads of variations on blinking too including one that looks like a UFO is screaming down the road in front of the car.

Track Pump - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/turbo-charger-track-pump-ec044154 You want to know the pressure of your tyres BEFORE you go out there doing 30 mph down a hill. This is one of many, I chose it because it has a gauge, pretty much a necessity.

High 5 Zero Hydration Tablets - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/high-5/zero-hydration-tablets-ec024272 You get 20 in a tub, pop one into your water bottle and you have yourself a very effective, quite tasty, anti cramp electrolyte drink that doesn't cost a fortune!

Water Bottle Cage - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/modula-ex-bottle-cage-ec028993 I know you have selected one, but I foudn this one useful as you can change the size of the cage to fit different sized bottles.

Tyre Levers - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/shuttle-11-tyre-levers-ec033936 Its going to happen, just make sure you can get your tyre off when it does!

Small Pump or Co2 Cannister - See Tyre Levers!

I would also recommend you have a go at changing your tyre when your roasty indoors, as its much more fun than changing your tyres for the first time when its quite dark and rainy. I can confirm this to be true.

Just a few suggestions based on stuff I bought and have got on very well with.

 

[Richard Ball]

Padded shorts definitely!

 

[voodoochilli]

Padded shorts definitely!

I'm on it!

 

[stu9000]

Hi.

I'm a new triban 3 owner too. I didn't want to load up a light road bike with masses of kit but the seat pouch I got for puncture repair bits was a bit small so I've ordered a frame mounted bag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIKE-MOBI...ouch-cross-bar-iPhone-4S-5-/160942751278?var=

I can put keys n bits in there and I'm hoping it will be a good mount for my phone when I'm using it as a sat nav.
BTW I got glasses for £6 and a pump with a psi guage on it for £10 from decathlon.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Light look at this thread.
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/lights-cree-xml-xm-l-t6.117285/

 

[voodoochilli]

Light look at this thread.
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/lights-cree-xml-xm-l-t6.117285/

Don't understand?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Don't understand?

Lights, sorry tad busy, didn't explain well