Cycle kit must haves

[Rosalind]

Having not ridden for quite a few years, I am in the process of looking to buy a bike .... once the weather has improved!!!

I know that a helmet is a must, but can you tell me which other important clothing and bike kit I would need to buy.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Ste T.]

I'll start.

Spare tube, couple of tyre levers and a pump.

Next...

 

[zacklaws]

I'll start.

Spare tube, couple of tyre levers and a pump.

Next...

Puncture Repair Kit

Next....

 

[postman]

Padded shorts .Lycra under Baggies .

Next ,

 

[Ticktockmy]

Something to lock it up with.

 

[addictfreak]

Well I will tell you what I have/wear.

Clothing summer:

Padded bib shorts

Short sleeve jersey

Shower proof jacket

Winter:

Bib longs

base layer

L/S top

wind/waterproof jacket

wind/waterproof gloves

Skull cap

Neoprene overshoes

Buff

and I always wear a helmet winter or summer (personal choice)


I always carry:

2 spare tubes

pump

tyre levers

multi tool with chain splitter

quick links



If its a long ride I will also have 1 or 2 water bottles (camelbak if MTB) bars gels etc.

It depends on the type of riding your doing really, you may need all of the above or just some of it. Im a bit of a lycra warrior, again thats down to personal choice.

Kit can be cheap or expensive as to suit your budget, Assos or Aldi!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

merino socks and merino gloves

 

[Rosalind]

Thanks folks!

I plan to buy a Hybrid step through bike, just so I can ride round the local parks near where I live in Moston, North Manchester.

As fore as bike locks are concerned are some makes better than others or are they all about the same.

Also, would I need special cycling shoes or would a pair of trainers be ok to start off with.

I really appreciate your help.

 

[mark barker]

Just get on the bike and ride... You'll soon work out what you need. I ride about 200 miles a week and I don't bother with specialist clothing or carrying loads of tools.

 

[e-rider]

clipless pedals and cycling shoes to match

 

[Rosalind]

I am going to ask a very silly question now! You will have to bare with me as I am new to all this, but when you buy a bike does it comes with lights or do you have to buy them separate.

Thanks

 

[tyred]

You will almost always need to buy the lights separate. They range from cheapies for a few quid which are battery powered and just about enough to be seen by through various dynamo systems to high powered rechargeable systems.

 

[ACS]

Mudguards, there I’ve said it.

 

[PpPete]

Practice your damsel-in-distress look in case of any mechanical breakdowns. One of us will be along to help soon.

 

[snorri]

Just get on the bike and ride... You'll soon work out what you need. I ride about 200 miles a week and I don't bother with specialist clothing or carrying loads of tools.

Sound advice.
The danger of getting togged out with specialised clothing comes when you start to believe you cannot use your bike without it. Faced with the inconvenience of a clothing change before cycling, you are more likely to adopt some other mode of transport and your bike will not be used to full advantage.