Just bought a new bike and I need a lock.

[Saluki]

At cafe stops, our bikes are not out of our sight but we have a Masterlock thing that we use for locking up, plus a D lock when we have to leave the bikes anywhere. Luckily, we have a bike cage at one of the city car parks with CCTV on it. It holds 40+ bikes and it well used.

I have a budget of around £70 for a lock, so like you, I'm on the look out for something decent.

 

[SepticSalmon]

What about a helmet? Are the cheep polystyrene ones a waste of time? I mean will they give me any protection at all?

 

[Katherine]

What about a helmet? Are the cheep polystyrene ones a waste of time?

You're only allowed to talk about helmets in the helmet thread.

 

[vickster]

Helmet wise...make sure it fits you and is comfortable. Most important thing. Some have been tested to more stringest standards, ultimately they are mostly polystyrene, plastic and some acrylic straps

Price doesn't equate to protection - more expensive usually lighter, bigger vents, and cynically a bigger marketing and sponsorship budget to claw back

 

[Arjimlad]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Onguard-5012-Bulldog-U-Lock-Cable/dp/B0010VRLGY

£23.00 lock. I have one and I hope it is pretty secure. It has secured my Defy for a day at a time in central Bristol, and a whole evening from 7pm-10pm recently.

 

[SepticSalmon]

Ah sorry didn't realise there was a separate forum. My apologies.

Ok so make sure it fits securely

 

[vickster]

And is comfortable

The bit of the forum is really to discuss the pros and cons of helmets, I wouldn't go there if you've decided, but if you want to know both sides of the argument to make your own decision go for it, just wear armour

 

[SepticSalmon]

What about lights? Will a 15 to 20 pound budget suffice to keep me seen?

 

[vickster]

Yeah if you are riding lit roads and just want to be seen, you should be ok

 

[RichardB]

What about lights? Will a 15 to 20 pound budget suffice to keep me seen?

I have these from Halfords. Under 20 quid, nice and bright, batteries last ages, and they have a clever attachment that seems to work well. Ideal for being seen on lit roads, as a rear blinker at any time, or (just about) as a backup light if you ride unlit roads and need a spare. (I wouldn't recommend that, but if the choice is between using this light and a walk home, it's a light.)