How much on accessories?

[Garz]

I also disagree with youngoldbloke, priority will depend on the person or situation. For me when I first started out I bought a helmet and jersey from aldi after I purchased the bike itself. Nothing else was required except actually going out and riding.

If you want to be pedantic then you could argue that many things are needed.

For example as I kept my routes to within a sensible distance from home (probably about 12 miles max) I always carried my phone, and if I got a puncture or something broke I could get picked up by family or friend. This negates slugging round pumps tyres innertubes etc or wearing a rucksack. I would rather repair in the comfort of my back yard than on some rural B road.

As I now cycle much further and have a proper saddle bag I can now take essentials conveniently, but I never needed this to start out cycling.

 

[youngoldbloke]

- perhaps I was being pedantic - the OP did not state clipless pedals, just pedals! I agree with SoulOnIce that the absolutely essential first purchases must be the carried on bike get you home kit (quote)

• mini tool with allen keys and screwdriver
• tyre levers
• One spare inner tubes
• patches
• pump

(- you can't always rely on family and friends to get you out of trouble - limiting your rides to when they are available, or no more than a sensible 12 miles from home could be a little restrictive!)

Of course all the other stuff is optional at first, and the computer is the most unnecessary item of all! One other item recommended for later would be a book on general bike maintenance - the Haynes manual for example, but of course all that information is on the net anyway.

 

[simon_brooke]

Hello I'm wonder how much I should be spending on accessories, which includes clothes ect... What is the minimum amount I should be spending aswell? Stuff like: - Bicycle Computer - Top - Shorts - Gloves - Trainers/Pedals - Other bike accessories (pump ect) I already have a helmet, thanks.

The minimum is gloves. Road rash on the palms of the hands is nasty. Crochet-back ones cost about a tenner from a bike shop.

The rest is all optional.

 

[byegad]

If you ride in all weathers you will need a good jacket, and mudguards. Then tools for the inevitable roadside stops. Lights for nights and poor weather. Buy it as you need it and soon you'll have all you need.

 

[Llama]

this is where all the pocket money goes! - in addition to what others have said, Lights are essential - even in the summer! - just wait for the rain.

 

[Garz]

the OP did not state clipless pedals, just pedals!

Point taken.

(- you can't always rely on family and friends to get you out of trouble - limiting your rides to when they are available, or no more than a sensible 12 miles from home could be a little restrictive!

I was risky sometimes but on the whole I either went out with a friend (whom carries a basic repair kit) or I knew I could get help if required. Not the best way to do it I agree but if your in a similar position and not riding too far its something I considered to be appropriate.

Now that I am venturing further and have some foundation spent riding, I am constantly adding to my kit when I can afford to.

Of course all the other stuff is optional at first, and the computer is the most unnecessary item of all! One other item recommended for later would be a book on general bike maintenance - the Haynes manual for example, but of course all that information is on the net anyway.

I hav'nt got a computer, and wont any time soon (I use my gps on my mobile to track and log the rides), this is more of a luxury I agree. I do however stand firm on my padded shorts as compared to alot of accessories these have been well used and worth the outlay.

 

[D4VOW]

The minimum you can spend on accessories is nothing. That is why they are called accessories, you don't need to buy them :troll:

 

[Randochap]

As much or as little as you can afford?