New Road Bike..... help!, lots of questions...

[Ajax_Gaz]

Guys & Gals,

As above i've now got my new road bike and as well as continuing to get fitter and lose more weight, my plan over the next 12 months is to use it to increase my mileage, cycle even more regularly (currently 3 times pw), possible join a club, compete in some events (non racing) and complete a 100 mile sportive by the end of next year.

So.. where to start?! Well, forgetting about the commuting side of things, if i'm going to start to do more miles per journey and then join a club for weekly rides what do i need to know about my bike and what do i need to carry to cover me for this?

Saddlebags - What have people got and what's recommended? (How big does one need?)

- What tools/bits and bobs do i need to carry in said bag? 2 Spare inner tubes enough?

- I've spent the last 18 months on the hardtail so most of my kit is mtb based.
- Will i need to buy a road helmet or will the mtb one do?
- Will i look a complete plonker in a team replica jersey?
- Bib shorts/jersey's - Am i better trying on instore rather than buying online to get the right fit? Do people tend to have multiple jersey's/shorts?
- Any tips on maintaining a carbon road bike?
- What sort of psi should the road tyres be inflated to?

I've ordered a new bottle cage and pedals for the bike and i can pick up spare inner tubes and a saddlebag come xmas, is there anything else i should look to pick up?

There's probably loads more (and i'll get pics of the new bike soon.. when its not raining) so i'll be sure to add to the thread as things come up.

Cheers
Gaz

 

[derrick]

I only carry spare tube, puncture outfit, gas bottles x 2, and a mobile phone,

Will i need to buy a road helmet or will the mtb one do? up to you.

Will i look a complete plonker in a team replica jersey? Yes

Bib shorts/jersey's - Am i better trying on instore rather than buying online to get the right fit? Do people tend to have multiple jersey's/shorts? Bought mine in LBS

Any tips on maintaining a carbon road bike? Keep it dry don't want it going all soggy, lol

What sort of psi should the road tyres be inflated to? Run mine at 105 psi.
Just get out and enjoy

 

[jonathanw]

2 inner tubes - yes
any medium saddle bag
frame mounted pump
MTB helmet will do to start, but you'll soon want a road one
CO2 cannisters x2 will save you time
multi tool or mini tool kit
carbon road bike - wash the salt off if winter
tyres - 90-100psi just fine
team jersey - no, wear what you want - bright colours and the cars will see you
multiple jerseys/bibs - yes, eventually, get first in store then order online when you know your size

anything else - just remember you'll soon be the one answering these questions, so just enjoy the riding

 

[HLaB]

Congratulation on your purchase.
On most club rides I carry a small saddle bag, in that are my keys a p'ture repair kit (never actually used it touch wood) and a multi tool (with tyre levers). In my jersey is a spare tube and pump (which I have used never needed two though touch wood) and depending on the ride there might be cereal/ energy bars, a gilet/ jacket in there too.
I use the one helmet fir utility and road cycling (I believe its mtb) as long as not full face it'll be ok. I also remove the peak which is better for my visibility.
There's lots of team replica jerseys out there, so wear what you want. Though, I always think its a faux pass if you wear a King of the Mountains jersey and cant climb but again wear what you want, I've got a couple of team jerseys stashed away for summer.
I think you are better to try clothes on in a shop to ensure fit, with bibs I usually have to go a size up for height reasons, if I'm happy with the fit the next pair may be bought on line. I own a few pairs, its generally easier but its no prerequisite
You dont really have to do much with carbon other than keep it clean (including the chain), baby wipes are great for that.
You don't want too low a psi as its more pinch p'ture prone and harder tyres roll better but you don't want too much that it shakes your fillings out, if its too harsh you'll go slower Through trial and error I've found if I pump the rear to 105 and the front to 90psi I'm OK and if its slippy don't bother topping up. A good place to start is the recommended pressure for the tyres with conti thats usually 105-110psi.
I have two bottle cages but usually only one bottle its your choice though, other things not always necessary you may consider is a computer and a track pump (if you don't have one to get the psi right), lights if you plan to ride at night and tools.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Cheers guys!

Jonathanw - Silly question, but CO2 cannisters?

 

[jonathanw]

Quicker than a pump especially on the road with a puncture, just be carefull not to roger the valve the first time you use one

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/genuine-innovations-air-chuck-elite-mini-co2-pump/

Spare canisters easy to come by

 

[WychwoodTrev]

CO2 are presurized containers people use to inflate their flat tyres out on the road

 

[HLaB]

Cheers guys!

Jonathanw - Silly question, but CO2 cannisters?

CO2 cannisters, compressed air cannisters to pump up your tyres to psi and more conveniently at the road side. Some use them and they seem to be quite effective but they seem a bit one hit and costly to me and unnecessary but its a personal choice.

 

[jowwy]

- Will i look a complete plonker in a team replica jersey? No - were what you want and dont let anyone tell you otherwise

 

[jonathanw]

Toolkit

I use one of these

Enough to change a punctured inner, fix a broken chain (with a spare master link or shimano pin) and most on the road issues.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-survival-gear-box-17-function-multi-tool-kit

 

[gbb]

Chaps,

.....

So.. where to start?! Well, forgetting about the commuting side of things, if i'm going to start to do more miles per journey and then join a club for weekly rides what do i need to know about my bike and what do i need to carry to cover me for this?

Saddlebags - What have people got and what's recommended? (How big does one need?)

- What tools/bits and bobs do i need to carry in said bag? 2 Spare inner tubes enough?

- I've spent the last 18 months on the hardtail so most of my kit is mtb based.
- Will i need to buy a road helmet or will the mtb one do?
- Will i look a complete plonker in a team replica jersey?
- Bib shorts/jersey's - Am i better trying on instore rather than buying online to get the right fit? Do people tend to have multiple jersey's/shorts?
- Any tips on maintaining a carbon road bike?
- What sort of psi should the road tyres be inflated to?

I've ordered a new bottle cage and pedals for the bike and i can pick up spare inner tubes and a saddlebag come xmas, is there anything else i should look to pick up?

There's probably loads more (and i'll get pics of the new bike soon.. when its not raining) so i'll be sure to add to the thread as things come up.

Cheers
Gaz

Saddlebag, i have the Topeak bag/toolkit. Includes levers, a small puncture kit, spoke spanners, a couple of small spanners, chainbreaker and allen key set. Bottom pocket roomy enough for mobile and a spare tube.
Helmet, i used to use a Giro peaked helmet, i wouldnt worry too much, in the winter the visor can keep rain off your eyes and shield glare from cars at night.
Jersey, for now with the weather, you'll be riding in a jacket anyway. I prefer yellow or red, just for visibility. Black jackets are common, although personally i dont think they help you be visible.
Carbon bike, just keep it clean, it wont fall apart. Pay particular attention to componentry when the weathers dire.
Tyres, i just pump em up hard. A track pump's a good investment for at home and a frame pump for the bike (mines a Zefal, wasnt expensive, has, and still is doing me very well)

 

[jonathanw]

Might help if the link didn't link to a discontinued item...sorry

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2925

 

[HLaB]

Toolkit

I use one of these

Enough to change a punctured inner, fix a broken chain (with a spare master link or shimano pin) and most on the road issues.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-survival-gear-box-17-function-multi-tool-kit

The multitool I mentioned is something similar but in a more compact unit, being able to fix things when you are in the middle of knowhere is a definite must

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Cheers guys!

Jonathanw - Silly question, but CO2 cannisters?

There's nothing like a fizzy drink to cheer you up when you get a puncture. Alternatively, they're smaller and lighter than a decent lightweight pump that'll get you back up to road pressure without exhausting yourself....

 

[Bicycle]

Chaps,


Saddlebags - What have people got and what's recommended? (How big does one need?)
Everyone has a favourite. See what there is in the shop. I don't use one (see below).
- What tools/bits and bobs do i need to carry in said bag? 2 Spare inner tubes enough?
I carry everything I need in an old soup carton shoved into a bottle cage. Everyone has their own list, but I take a tube, levers, a repair kit, a pump (on frame) a couple of allen keys and for my fixie a 15mm spanner.

- Will i need to buy a road helmet or will the mtb one do?
It will be fine. I use a road helmet on my MTB. I often go without on-road. Do what you want. I like a cotton casquette with Peugeot written on it.
- Will i look a complete plonker in a team replica jersey?
To some people, yes. It really doesn't matter a fig. One of my road tops (also worn off-road) is a replica maglia rosa. I like it, but I get told at high volume from bus stops that I'm gay.
- Bib shorts/jersey's - Am i better trying on instore rather than buying online to get the right fit? Do people tend to have multiple jersey's/shorts?
Everyone has their own way. The most devious is to try instore and buy online. I don't like that, so i ask my LBS how close they can get to online prices. That seems to work and they are happy to give discounts.
- Any tips on maintaining a carbon road bike?
Buy steel or ally. Ha ha ha ha ha.
- What sort of psi should the road tyres be inflated to?
Min and max will be written on the sidewall. Different tyres like different pressures. I like 110psi front and rear. You can just see what works for you. I drop the pressures when it's skittish, but that's more superstition that science.

Gaz