Cycle kit must haves

[Cletus Van Damme]

Hi Rosalind, I am pretty new to cycling myself and as mentioned above you can use gear from other hobbies. I used to do a lot of fell walking and as such use quite a bit of my gear from that. Now since having a knee op I have had to give that up for some time, but the gear comes in handy. Another thing that is worth getting that is certainly not essential but adds a little bit of more interest to the hobby is a cheap cycling computer. I have the Cateye Velo 8 and I think it was £15 but it was easy to fit and setup and it does a decent job. I just find it makes it a little more interesting to see how fast you are going, how many miles you have done on your current cycle ride, and finally the total amount of miles you have done on your bike since fitting the computer. Certainly not a must, but it adds a little bit of interest and can be quite useful and relatively cheap, although more advanced computers can be quite expensive. Good luck with the bike

 

[zacklaws]

Just thought of one thing that never usually gets mentioned when this question is asked, bike clips, unless your into tucking trouser bottoms into socks or in shorts or tights. I never wear them when I commute, but not bothered about oil on my trousers as they are black anyway, but just recalled all the times I have ripped the bottoms, when they get caught up on the teeth of the outer chain ring whilst riding on an inner chain ring. Usually as well when it does happen and your standing to pedal, it can nearly bring you down if the material does not tear easily.

 

[cameramanjim]

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.

Good point, I recently nearly jumped in the car because I couldn't be bothered to change. Then I changed my mind, jumped on the bike with bicycle clips and my cycling windproof hi-vis jacket, and away I went. I just cycled slower to avoid working up a sweat, and I had a very pleasant seven or eight mile ride (there and back). But have to say, it's more comfortable when lycra clad!

 

[Andrew_P]

Okay searched for "snoods" and got this, my problem is that it is bloody freezing with a shaven head and no helmet so much so I have been considering buying a helmet to keep my head warm. I start off with a Thermal hat, but 20 mins in it starts getting too hot and I have no easy pockets to just grab my hat and get rid of it, and even if I did I reckon later on it might ber needed again.

So does a Snood or buff fit the bill can they start on my head and then just be pulled back to the neck and back up easily?

 

[brokenbetty]

My kit essentials:
Pump
Tyre levers, patches and inner tube.
Small adjustable spanner
Bike multitool (I only use a couple of Allen keys and the screwdrivers)
Teeny pliers to hold nuts when my fingers are cold
A handful of cable ties. These probably get used the most of anything
A handful of spare bolts with locking nuts
Latex gloves and a rag to wipe oily hands on

If I'm out after dark, something hi viz. Not an expensive cycle jacket , just a band, sash or jerkin.

 

[HLaB]

All the suggestions are great but really all you need is a bike; you will want to follow that quickly with a spare tube/ tire levers mini pump and the rest of the stuff can follow; I think my next buy would be gloves and a multitool; good luck

 

[krushavik]

I agree if you got every you needed you would have to have a support vehicle.

All the suggestions are great but really all you need is a bike; you will want to follow that quickly with a spare tube/ tire levers mini pump and the rest of the stuff can follow; I think my next buy would be gloves and a multitool; good luck

 

[slowmotion]

As others have said, spend the money on the bike, and pick up the clothing and toys as and when the need arises. If you are going to attempt any road-side repairs you will need the p*ncture repair stuff. If you don't want to do the mechanicals, just carry a mobile phone and call Scotty to "Beam you up". To begin with, you don't need any bike specific clothing at all, but you quickly may find that staying comfortable, warm and dry may require a bit of investment in order for the bike to remain fun in bad weather.

One last thing. Do not add up the cost of getting all the stuff before you buy the bike. If you do, you won't buy the bike.

 

[MikeMc]

While the weather is too snowy to test some bikes why not read about some other woman's experiences of returning to cycling - Cycling in High Heels and Lovely Bicycle.

ps Don't take any sh*t from bike shop staff if they appear condescending - just turn around and find some bike shop which appreciates your business. Ask other women cyclists where they go.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Okay searched for "snoods" and got this, my problem is that it is bloody freezing with a shaven head and no helmet so much so I have been considering buying a helmet to keep my head warm. I start off with a Thermal hat, but 20 mins in it starts getting too hot and I have no easy pockets to just grab my hat and get rid of it, and even if I did I reckon later on it might ber needed again.

So does a Snood or buff fit the bill can they start on my head and then just be pulled back to the neck and back up easily?

Buffs are brill on a bike, one round the neck, one under the helmet* oo-err.
Another option is an old-fashioned peaked-cotton cycling cap under the helmet*, the peak is quite useful at night (to stop dazzling) or to keep rain of specs.

http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?ID=39&typ=typ

*Helmets are not obligatory

 

[Vikeonabike]

Beard to keep your chin warm in winter!

 

[MikeMc]

Yes! The 2 B's - a beard and a bell, a bright shiny one.

 

[johnr]

Keep your eye on Aldi and Lidl adverts. They have cycling gear in spring and autumn. Their stuff is reasonable quality and very cheap. It's a good way to try out 'proper' cycling gear without breaking the bank. I started with Lidl cycling shoes, for instance, and noticed a big difference from my trainers. I'm in full lycra now 'cos I know it improves my ride. But it is a lot of cash.

Enjoy!