Gear recommendations required - I have nothing!
- Thread starter Daveb99
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jackthelad
Well-Known Member
try and save cash on stuff that is replaced regular like clothing etc,due to change in weight but things like a pump for the bike or a track pump,basically stuff you want to last a while,go the extra distance and buy reasonable quality.You buy cheap you buy twice.
food for thought
food for thought
Thanks for the sound advice everyone - really, really helpful, and as a result I seem to have sorted out a plan for most of the gear in my list in the first post, apart from a few things. Trying to keep the cost down as much as possible, as it all adds up to well over £400, which is about £150 more than I had budgeted for!
Regarding winter cycling, could I manage throughout winter with a base layer, long sleeved Jersey and then either a gilet or a packable windproof / showerproof jacket over the top (such as the Montane Featherlite Velo, which packs up tiny so I could carry it everywhere, and gets cracking reviews)? If not, I could perhaps get a thicker long sleeved jersey such as the DHB Windslam Roubaix, which is very warm according to the reviews, and then use other layers as required.
Originally I was planning to get an Altura Night Vision waterproof jacket and wear that over other layers in the really cold winter - but I guess there's nowhere to put it if you get too warm (as it isn't packable into a stuff sack) so I'm going off that idea. I don't need a 'proper' waterproof jacket as I won't be commuting - so figured a well-reviewed packable one would be better.
Also, does everyone simply wear Bib tights (full length) in winter? If so, any recommendations for inexpensive options?
Shoes - I really need some recommendations for good, inexpensive SPD shoes that I can walk in. Planning to get the Shimano M520 pedals (£20 from pedalon). Will probably need to get the shoes from my LBS though, for obvious reasons.
Helmet - spotted the Specialized Align for £20, down from £30, at the Edinburgh Cycling Coop. Seems to get very good reviews, I assume this will be good enough? Everyone seems to say it's very comfortable - I know I ought to try one on, but at that price, I think I'll take a slight gamble, can always send it back I guess. I know I'm a medium (54-60cm usually).
Lights - Edinburgh Coop are doing the CatEye EL130/TL130 light set for £18. Seems like a very good price, I won't be doing any cycling in total darkness (unless I get stranded!) it's more for switching them on in poor visibility conditions or at dusk, to be seen.
Track pump - was going to go for the JoeBlow Sport II (approx £30) as it gets good reviews. Then spotted the Bontrager Charger Pump at Evans for £22, or even the Revolution Air Track Pump Sport at Edinburgh Coop - reduced to £9.99 ! Gets good reviews. Think I might go for the JoeBlow one though.
Regarding winter cycling, could I manage throughout winter with a base layer, long sleeved Jersey and then either a gilet or a packable windproof / showerproof jacket over the top (such as the Montane Featherlite Velo, which packs up tiny so I could carry it everywhere, and gets cracking reviews)? If not, I could perhaps get a thicker long sleeved jersey such as the DHB Windslam Roubaix, which is very warm according to the reviews, and then use other layers as required.
Originally I was planning to get an Altura Night Vision waterproof jacket and wear that over other layers in the really cold winter - but I guess there's nowhere to put it if you get too warm (as it isn't packable into a stuff sack) so I'm going off that idea. I don't need a 'proper' waterproof jacket as I won't be commuting - so figured a well-reviewed packable one would be better.
Also, does everyone simply wear Bib tights (full length) in winter? If so, any recommendations for inexpensive options?
Shoes - I really need some recommendations for good, inexpensive SPD shoes that I can walk in. Planning to get the Shimano M520 pedals (£20 from pedalon). Will probably need to get the shoes from my LBS though, for obvious reasons.
Helmet - spotted the Specialized Align for £20, down from £30, at the Edinburgh Cycling Coop. Seems to get very good reviews, I assume this will be good enough? Everyone seems to say it's very comfortable - I know I ought to try one on, but at that price, I think I'll take a slight gamble, can always send it back I guess. I know I'm a medium (54-60cm usually).
Lights - Edinburgh Coop are doing the CatEye EL130/TL130 light set for £18. Seems like a very good price, I won't be doing any cycling in total darkness (unless I get stranded!) it's more for switching them on in poor visibility conditions or at dusk, to be seen.
Track pump - was going to go for the JoeBlow Sport II (approx £30) as it gets good reviews. Then spotted the Bontrager Charger Pump at Evans for £22, or even the Revolution Air Track Pump Sport at Edinburgh Coop - reduced to £9.99 ! Gets good reviews. Think I might go for the JoeBlow one though.
henshaw11
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Walton-On-Thames
Winter layers - that sounds about right. I've never bothered with anything properly waterproof as a such - you tend to get wet from the outside without one, or wet from the side with - keeping warm is the most important bit.
(Tho' having swapped to a recumbent a few years ago I've had to rethink my kit a little, being reclined more of me seems to get wet or suffer from windchill compared to an upright.)
For me (upright !) autumnwear is bib shorts+jersey with a l/s base layer under the jersey if needed, packable windproof/showerproof over that (eg Endura pertex-like lightweight thing - not that waterproof but breathable/decent wind protection). A bit colder and the roubaix tights/top come out (probably before most people but my knees get cranky if too cold). Colder still, down to zero, base layer under the roubaix top. Windproof top, too accordingly. Neoprene overshoes if it's v.cold, or wet.
In the past I've used used lycra tights (with normal trouser braces !) under/over shorts in the autumn/winter. But since they're losing stretchiness, last year I bought a few pairs of Lusso coolmax bib longs - like long lycra shorts, possibly a tad heavier. Tho' another alternative (and might have been generally more useful in my case) is leg (or knee) and arm warmers - plus they're small enough to stuff in a jersey pocket.
But most years I've just gone from shorts>roubaix longs and put up with being a little warm when up to speed, or a bit cold when setting off.
One of my most useful bits of kit was a freebie from doing Mountain Mayhem some years ago ! - a thin synthetic bandana - dead useful in the winter, keeps a bit of chill off the bonce, being a balding git - don't normally need anything very thick IMO.
So that's basically 6 items for most of the year, and you won't need some of it for a while yet: shorts, jersey, roubaix(/thermal/fleecy) longs, roubaix top, base layer top, windproof/shower proof top - anything extra just saves the amount of washing (if you're commuting)
Some windproof gear - mebbe the DHB is - also a little water-resistant too on the windproof panels (usually that's the chest/shoulders/arms).
Probably worth mentioning - another reason I like the Lusso longs is they have foot stirrups - some manufacturers use zips to close the lower calf/ankle, especially if it's (less stretchy) windproof material - you may find one's more comfortable than t'other.
Shoes - dunno I'm afraid - it's the one area I've spent relatively more...in 20 years I've had Shimano (when the first SPDs came out), Sidi, Specialized, Sidi in that order. The two pairs of Sidis have probably done 17+ years of that, including general mtb abuse and lots of commuting..the current pair's ~ 12yrs old, with a 3rd unused pair that have been sitting in the wardrobe for about 6 years !
(Tho' having swapped to a recumbent a few years ago I've had to rethink my kit a little, being reclined more of me seems to get wet or suffer from windchill compared to an upright.)
For me (upright !) autumnwear is bib shorts+jersey with a l/s base layer under the jersey if needed, packable windproof/showerproof over that (eg Endura pertex-like lightweight thing - not that waterproof but breathable/decent wind protection). A bit colder and the roubaix tights/top come out (probably before most people but my knees get cranky if too cold). Colder still, down to zero, base layer under the roubaix top. Windproof top, too accordingly. Neoprene overshoes if it's v.cold, or wet.
In the past I've used used lycra tights (with normal trouser braces !) under/over shorts in the autumn/winter. But since they're losing stretchiness, last year I bought a few pairs of Lusso coolmax bib longs - like long lycra shorts, possibly a tad heavier. Tho' another alternative (and might have been generally more useful in my case) is leg (or knee) and arm warmers - plus they're small enough to stuff in a jersey pocket.
But most years I've just gone from shorts>roubaix longs and put up with being a little warm when up to speed, or a bit cold when setting off.
One of my most useful bits of kit was a freebie from doing Mountain Mayhem some years ago ! - a thin synthetic bandana - dead useful in the winter, keeps a bit of chill off the bonce, being a balding git - don't normally need anything very thick IMO.
So that's basically 6 items for most of the year, and you won't need some of it for a while yet: shorts, jersey, roubaix(/thermal/fleecy) longs, roubaix top, base layer top, windproof/shower proof top - anything extra just saves the amount of washing (if you're commuting)
Some windproof gear - mebbe the DHB is - also a little water-resistant too on the windproof panels (usually that's the chest/shoulders/arms).
Probably worth mentioning - another reason I like the Lusso longs is they have foot stirrups - some manufacturers use zips to close the lower calf/ankle, especially if it's (less stretchy) windproof material - you may find one's more comfortable than t'other.
Shoes - dunno I'm afraid - it's the one area I've spent relatively more...in 20 years I've had Shimano (when the first SPDs came out), Sidi, Specialized, Sidi in that order. The two pairs of Sidis have probably done 17+ years of that, including general mtb abuse and lots of commuting..the current pair's ~ 12yrs old, with a 3rd unused pair that have been sitting in the wardrobe for about 6 years !
mcshroom
Bionic Subsonic
- Location
- Egremont, Cumbria
Definitely have a look at Decathlon if you can get to one. Also I've got a few bits from cycle-clothing.co.uk which are pretty good. The Karrimor jerseys from Sports Direct aren't terrible either.
If you don't want to buy shorts and longs, then getting leg warmers to wear under your shorts can be another approach.
Computer - you can get programmes like Endomondo for smart phones, or if you want a simple cycle computer the Cateye Velo 8 is a good reliable unit and comes in at about £15
I have a smart Lunar 35 front light, which is bright enough to see on unlit roads as long as you aren't flying down hills, and Planet X have them for £22.99 delivered - link
For rear lights (and front flasher), Wilkinsons have been selling a set of 1/2W kidney shaped lights with 'torch' branding, which are identical to the smart superflashes. £7 a set, although I don't know if they are still selling them.
If you don't want to buy shorts and longs, then getting leg warmers to wear under your shorts can be another approach.
Computer - you can get programmes like Endomondo for smart phones, or if you want a simple cycle computer the Cateye Velo 8 is a good reliable unit and comes in at about £15
I have a smart Lunar 35 front light, which is bright enough to see on unlit roads as long as you aren't flying down hills, and Planet X have them for £22.99 delivered - link
For rear lights (and front flasher), Wilkinsons have been selling a set of 1/2W kidney shaped lights with 'torch' branding, which are identical to the smart superflashes. £7 a set, although I don't know if they are still selling them.
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
ACS
Legendary Member
- Location
- Just below the snow line