Help with kit.

[woolley]

Newbie here I have just bought a 2nd hand Giant Rapid 4 2011 as my first bike. I will be using this for fitness and leisure 2/3 times a week.

I need some advice on clothing and equipment that I should purchase and where to get them from.

I was thinking of buying the following to start with: Helmet, Gloves, Water bottle and cage, Padded shorts. What makes and where should I get these from ?

What else should I buy ?

Does the Giant Rapid 4 2011 come with flat pedals ? Or will I need to buy shoes to clip in ?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[black'n'yellow]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/initial-kitting-out.120541/#post-2224657

 

[Easytigers]

Pedals depend on what is included in the sale...Personally I'm a great advocate of clipless (clipping in pedals...I know it sounds weird but you clip in to clipless pedals!!!) and if you dont have them with the bike maybe think about Shimano M520s to get you started (about £15-£20 online if you shop around).
All of what you mentioned I see as essential:
Helmets: Giro are always good and their budget 'Skyline' is a good start but will not break the bank
Gloves: Personally I like Specialized Body Geometry gloves, as I used to get numb hands when riding and these sorted it out
Water bottle cage: I use Lifeline...they're cheap but really good
Shorts: DHB if you can afford them, if not go for the next Aldi or Lidl sale
I would also buy a good track pump...it'll save you a lot of hassle, a saddle pack to keep puncture kit and a spare tube in, lights (if cycling in the dark) - I use Cateye but there are lots out there
There's so much more...but that is half of the joy of cycling!!!
Hope it helped (and there will be many more suggestions)...Sorry if I came from a 'budget' side of things, if you can afford more...just enjoy all the stuff out there!!!!!!!!1
Russ

 

[woolley]

Thanks RussLunn.

I have been looking at the Giro helmet and may go to my local shop to get the correct fit.

I am also looking at the DHB shorts.

Where would you buy a track pump from ? Is this for home use ? Do you carry a pump on your bike ?

 

[kedab]

Where would you buy a track pump from ? Is this for home use ? Do you carry a pump on your bike ?

a track pump is a floor standing pump; you'd have a little trouble lugging that about on your bike, so yep, home use.

personally, i don't carry a pump, i carry a spare tube and c02 - you can get all of this stuff from your LBS or, if you bought your Rapid from a Giant store, you can get them there too...alternatively, look at sites such as, wiggle/evans etc

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Skull cap for under the helmet.

If you like cheap, you can get padded shorts and tights from Sportsdirect, not the best quality, but at the price you aren't wasting your money if you find you don't like padded.

Don't forget lights.

 

[Pale Rider]

Some hi-visibility clothing would be a good safety move.

A workmen's waistcoat is a cheap option, but get a good fit because you don't want it blowing in the wind.

 

[Easytigers]

Thanks RussLunn.

I have been looking at the Giro helmet and may go to my local shop to get the correct fit.

I am also looking at the DHB shorts.

Where would you buy a track pump from ? Is this for home use ? Do you carry a pump on your bike ?

Good idea to go to the shop and get the correct fit for your lid...but it might be worth then going away and buying online (sounds bad but you'll save loads).
A track pump is probably the best buy I have made yet...You'll be wanting to get to 100psi+ and without one it's a real chore...I also carry a mini pump when on the bike. I feel it is a must...if you haven't got one...or CO2...then you're not going to get home if you have a flat. Mine isn't the best ...I bought cheap so would search for good reviews (there must be a good thread on here somewhere)
Happy shopping!!!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Good idea to go to the shop and get the correct fit for your lid...but it might be worth then going away and buying online (sounds bad but you'll save loads).
A track pump is probably the best buy I have made yet...You'll be wanting to get to 100psi+ and without one it's a real chore...I also carry a mini pump when on the bike. I feel it is a must...if you haven't got one...or CO2...then you're not going to get home if you have a flat. Mine isn't the best ...I bought cheap so would search for good reviews (there must be a good thread on here somewhere)
Happy shopping!!!

Or better still go to the shop, get fitted and buy it from the shop. I am all for the internet and people being able to buy things cheaper, but to use a LBS's time and then pay somebody else isn't on.

 

[Andy Smith]

I brought a Bontrager track pump from Evans a while back for about £20.00. Very effective and sturdy and would highly recommend. You will need padded shorts, I've just brought some Altura pro gel from cyclexpress.co.uk, again very good quality at a fantastic price and the service was superb. Good luck.

 

[Widge]

+1 on the Giro Skyline being a solid choice in entry level helmets. I have one and it is comfy secure and well made. I was fortunate to catch the last Aldi cycle gear bonanza and the stuff I bought is holding up well. If nothing else...it gives you an insight into what you really NEED from bespoke cycle kit for a modest outlay -so you can make better informed decisions down the line. Their winter jacket and gloves have proved terrific for the money....but I have learnt there could possibly be better pants out there! Also...much can be made from non CYCLING specific gear (Hiking, running, outdoor leisure etc.) so this is an avenue always worth exploring before things start getting alarmingly spendy?.

w

 

[Eribiste]

I'm running with what probably counts as a minimalist fit-up for a road bike. Lights on the bike (the Halfords light set), a frame mounted pump, and a tyre lever and patch set. I had Crud Racer mudguards fitted too when I bought the bike. I already had some padded gloves, padded leggings for winter riding and a long sleeved jersey. I got a bit fed up with the toe clip pedals and bought some Shimano A520 'half and half' pedals with cleated shoes, much better. I have bought a floor standing track pump with a gauge so that I can be sure of keeping the tyre pressures at about 110 psi with ease. Oh, and a Cateye Strada wireless so I've got some idea of how far, how fast. I also am reluctant to ride without eye protection, and in the dark I wear one of those geeky reflective Sam Brown belts to try and avoid being run down by some psychotic PCV driver.

I ought to get a fluids bottle and holder for the longer rides that I intend to tackle. I'd like to go a bit barmy and buy a satellite navigator with at least a 'breadcrumb' guide function such as the Edge 200, but that'll wait for another Christmas yet.

 

[Easytigers]

Or better still go to the shop, get fitted and buy it from the shop. I am all for the internet and people being able to buy things cheaper, but to use a LBS's time and then pay somebody else isn't on.

I actually agree with you but also hate wasting money...If you're not sure of sizing, I guess you're not going to waste too much of someone's time if you can just check if a helmet fits...

 

[MattHB]

Trouble with sticking to LBS's is that when you start out you will want to be buying the more budget kit, which LBS's rarely sell. There's nothing wrong with using wiggle or someone like them with a good returns policy to make sure you get sizing right.

Ill be honest, ill not use LBS's for clothing even now as they're about 20% more expensive for the same items that I can get online.

 

[Boon 51]

It's always a touchy subject of online or LBS shopping and I use both for handyness.. but I would add from my own point of view.... buy the best gear you can afford..