Gear - What are the essentials to get started?

[Enjoyedincubus]

So I'm coming back to riding after a long break. I've never been a serious rider and I've only ever had MTB's.

I've order a Specialized Allez and aside from a helmet and perhaps lights, what do you consider being essential to start riding?

Initially, I'm looking to do some short rides a couple of times a week to build fitness followed by a longer ride on the weekend.

I look forward to your recommendations.

 

[HLaB]

A helmet is not essential but that's a boring debate. What I would get a good track pump for at home and a minipump, tyre levers and spare tubes. You probably want to get bottle cages and bottles too. Good clothes are useful too, padded shorts, gilet etc

 

[steve50]

some quality kit, puncture outfit or spare tubes, some good quality tyre levers, a mini pump or compressed air cartridges and adapter.
Padded shorts if going any distance and a pair of all weather gloves to protect your hands.

beaten to it by HlaB

 

[mjr]

It depends if you've another way to get home if the bike packs up. Otherwise, I'd carry spare tube, tyre levers, patches, mini pump, quick link, chain tool and whatever Allen keys and screwdrivers and spanner is used on your bike.

Locks are a good idea if you intend to stop anywhere. Types will depend on where and for how long and if your insurer hates you.

A helmet's not essential, but I'm sure you can search for "helmet debate thread" if you want to think about it. Lights are only essential if you're out after dark. Cateye Gvolt (not volt) and Axa Green line are the main battery ones I rate at the moment.

I'd also look for a freewheeling group nearby, but then I get bored riding alone

 

[slowmotion]

Unless you are a masochist, get a waterproof jacket. Wiggle have some of their dhb brand for about £50. There are well worth the money.
As has already been said, get some gloves. If you come off without some, you will probably lose a lot of skin on your palms, rendering you faintly incapacitated until it grows back.

 

[Big John]

Not wishing to appear negative, because I'm not (honest), but if you're returning from a long break then you could just as easily have another break so to start with I wouldn't break the bank - just in case. Buy cheap until you've proved you're going to stick at it. Aldi or Lidl are always worth a look.

At this time of year, apart from a helmet which you already mention, you need gloves, padded bib tights (saves buying shorts), a thermal undervest (I've got some old Helly Hansens from my running days but there are loads of different tops around), a winter jacket and assuming you're going to be clipless you'll need shoes and overshoes. I'm a great believer in showing folks that cycling doesn't have to break the bank so a trip to Aldi is, at this stage anyway, maybe a wise move. You may even want something to cover your head, under the helmet, if it's cold and you have as much hair as me! If you stick at it then it's worth investing in better quality kit and maybe even a bit of bling like a Garmin or a pair of Oakleys (neither of which I've got, by the way, but I live in hope).

The list could go on and on but clothing-wise this would get you out the door and riding. We then go on to saddlebag, inner tubes, pump/inflator, nylon zip ties, tyre leavers, chain splitter, allen key tool......blah blah...zzzzz.

Not sure how much all of this would cost these days and no doubt there'll be a number of different responses to your thread, all given with good intent, but I'd take a wild guess that the list will be endless by the time we've finished, unlike your funds ;o)

 

[RoubaixCube]

Small first aid kit would come in handy. Something like this Is what i always carry. though ive gone the extra mile and bought this AA first aid kit too and just taken some of the stuff out that i thought i would need and put it into the £3 aid kit. You might want to add a small tube of antiseptic cream and painkillers like ibuprofen into the mix.

While there is a small amount of bulk to it, weighs next to nothing.

If not to treat yourself, then to treat others. And who knows, If it's a beautiful lady that has taken a tumble and needs a little patching up until the paramedics arrive - you might even walk away with a number

 

[mjr]

You may even want something to cover your head, under the helmet, if it's cold and you have as much hair as me!

Several helmet makers say you MUST NOT wear anything between head and helmet. IF you're going to wear one, don't undermine it.

Padded tights aren't essential, no matter how fashionable they currently are.

 

[Sara_H]

My essentials are gloves, hat ( I usually wear a Merino buff), warm comfy clothes (usually leggings and a tunic top or dress), waterproof coat, toolkit, spare inner tube, pump, panniers for carrying all my stuff. Oh and lights, but you've already mentioned those, don't forget spare lights!
Optional extra - I carry a pair of waterproof trousers in case of torrential rain.

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

Basically; if it's cold wear something warm, if it's wet wear something to keep you dry, and if you don't fancy pushing the bike home if you get a flat, some basic tools, a pump,
and a spare innertube.

 

[BikeCurious]

In addition to what other people have said at this time of year consider getting a rear mudguard. It will stop you getting a wet arse from the water kicked up from the back wheel!

 

[Mrs M]

I would also wear sunglasses or some sort of glasses, will keep grit and beasties out of your eyes.
You might look cool as well .

 

[MichaelW2]

For clothing, some no-name wicking t-shirts, thin fleece jerseys, windproof and separate waterproof top, neck buff, leggings (ronhill bikesters), fingetless mitts and full gloves. Padded shorts for rides >1hr
It doesn't all have to be specialist cycling gear. Aldi and Lidl do bike sales of goo-enough stuff.

 

[Enjoyedincubus]

Thank you for all the swift responses. Some great advice here. Most surprising of all is the revelation that I can get some gear from Aldi, which just so happens to be a short walk from my house.

I'd priced up a load of stuff inc bottle, cage, saddle bag, spares etc and it came to £130+. After just forking out for a new bike, i'm a bit hesitant to spend loads more. The Wife would also likely throttle me

I will report back with what I find at Aldi. Thanks again.

 

[fimm]

Note that Aldi (and Lidl) do special cycling sales - so there may be nothing to find there right now. If you keep an eye on the forums, someone will post up when the next one is due.
Another good source of cheap but good value kit is Decathlon, if you have one near you.