Cycle kit must haves

[John the Monkey]

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.

Don't worry about special gear at this point then. It becomes important if you start going longer distances & faster.

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

Cable Locks are, in general, rubbish. Get a D lock, and look to spend £30 minimum. Personally, I like the On Guard Pitbull mini + extension cable.

Lock your bike properly;
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

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

Trainers should be fine. Don't forget lights if you're out past dark.

 

[cyberknight]

Light coloured clothing+ reflective s even in the day time at this time of year.

Mobile phone+ get me home cash for a taxi if you break down(heaven forbid).

Practice changing the inner tube in the warmth of your home/garage so you can do it at the side of the road.

 

[potsy]

A second bike

 

[GrumpyGregry]

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.

the opposite is also true. I wouldn't have dreamt of bike commuting today if I didn't have a stack of specialist cycling clothes, would have ended up too cold and too wet to do it.

 

[Spinney]

Trainers are fine, but remember to tuck in any long loops in the laces, especially on your right foot. Before I started doing this I occasionally got a loop of lace caught on the teeth on the front cogs - which stops your foot going round and may make you fall off!

 

[subaqua]

do you have any other outdoor hobbies. you will be surprised how many bits of kit from that can transfer straight across.

therml base layers, fleeces, gaiters for walking boots all work well when riding a bike.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

yeah but your football kit will be next to useless

 

[HJ]

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.

The only must is a bicycle, every thing else is optional, as for cycle helmets... well if you have money to waste and it make you happy then wear one, but they are not a must

 

[subaqua]

yeah but your football kit will be next to useless

you haven't seen my football kit

and don't they wear lycra underneath the club shorts these days?

 

[potsy]

you haven't seen my football kit

and don't they wear lycra underneath the club shorts these days?

And snoods

 

[chrishodges]

Snoods are a must these days!

 

[longers]

My tuppence worth is for cycling in whatever you feel comfortable in, you could try a few things out that you've got already and change things as you go along to make yourself more comfortable as you find what does and doesn't work for you.

These have all already been suggested but if in your shoes* I'd be looking to buy a puncture repair kit and pump as looking after your tyres and keeping them reasonably well pumped up can help you stop getting punctures. I'd think about lights too as they extend the hours of the day you can cycle.

And a lock would get my vote, if you wanted to start a new thread asking for advice then you'd get plenty of recommendations for good value and/or good quality suggestions. Not sure what a search would bring up in the way of old threads but might be worth a look.

Hope you have fun!



* I think trainers will be fine for starting out again.

 

[longers]

Snoods are Buffs/Buffs are Snoods - yes/no?

 

[potsy]

Snoods are Buffs/Buffs are Snoods - yes/no?

Don't pretend you don't wear a snood when you're off the bike longers, as I understand it a snood is a thicker version of a buff, seem to be catching on in the Premier league

 

[Rosalind]

Thanks for all your advice folks, I really appreciate it, and you have also made me laugh during which turned out to be a rubbish week!

All I need now is for this weather to clear up! I don't fancy trying out a bike in this weather.

Take care and happy/safe cycling.