On a tight budget

[kezz]

Hi, Ive just got my first bike in 20 years, Im 41, overweight, really unfit but determined. I need to get lots of bits and pieces but can make do mostly. However I really need a D lock, rack and rackpack/panniers. Ive spent near to £200 on the bike. I was looking at this lockhttp://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Kryptonite_KryptoLok_Series_2_ATB_Wide_229cm_D_Lock/5360031633/
Would it be good enough?

Any suggestions for the rack and panniers as cheaply as possible without being really pants please would be really appreciated.

 

[simoncc]

Cheap rack on special offer here.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s79p1046

Wiggle, Halfords and other places do rear panniers for about £40 a pair. They be OK and as waterproof as any others if you line them with 3 plastic bags.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

do you really need panniers? if you are routinely carrying a laptop or something of similar weight, they are certainly the way to go.

if it's just a day's clothing for work (leave a pair of shoes at the office), a rucksack is much cheaper and just as good. i have a eurohike one from millets that looks as good as the day i bought it two and a half years ago, and it gets used every working day.

 

[kezz]

Thanks guys, I'm not sure about the panniers. I do need to take my lunch, clothes and flask to work with me and have used a rucksack for the last couple of days. Im really unfit and though perhaps having the weight off my back might help?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if you're suffering with a sore back, then the rucksack may be responsible (the flask might be the proverbial straw). fitness will make little or no difference really, as the combined weight of bike and passenger/load will still be the same(ish).

 

[stewie griffin]

Just get a rack & bungee your rucksack on to it, or get a bag or box that fits nicely on top of the rack, but do get the weight off your back.
You don't need panniers for going to work unless you carry lots of stuff.

 

[SoulOnIce]

I've cycled to work on and off over the past 12 years. In the past it was a 5 - 10 mile round trip.

More recently I've been overweight and am now over 40 and now I live in the sticks it is a 30 mile round trip so I think I get how Kezz feels:

My own advice would be:

1. Panniers are dead handy. Ortliebs are the absolute daddies of panniers (see other threads on these panniers). But if you are on a budget buy some cheapo panniers and use some heavy duty plastic bags inside them to keep things dry. Then save up for Ortliebs cos you will not regret it.

2. Minimise the amount of stuff you need to carry. Kepp a pair of shoes at work. If you have shower facilities keep a wash bag and towel at work. I also keep a couple of pairs of trousers at work.

3. If you are a newby to cycling you don;t have to use the bike every day to start with. Try using it every other day and on the days you don't cycle in bring in spare clothes, clean towels etc to minimise luggage to bring with you on your bike.

4. Even if your cycle ride in is short (say 3 miles) you can still use your commute to get fit. Instead of cycling 3 miles straight in to work add some extra bits on so you get some extra miles in. You will soon get pretty fit.

5. Apart from Ortlieb panniers which I would suggest saving up for a good quality breathable and waterproof jacket. Check out the forums for advice and for which places are doing good deals. Having good quality gear for all weathers means you will cycle whatever the weather. There is no such thing as bad weather - it is the wrong clothes that are the real problem.

6. Apart from panniers and a decent jacket, all other cycling gear gives diminishing returns, but of course everyone falls for the allure of the latest bit of bike gear. Forums like this have many lovers of such bike porn.

 

[Plax]

Definitely get the weight off the back. When I first started I swore a rucksack was fine. It wasn't until I got a bike with a rack that I realised just how much horrid it was, especially in the summer.
I've recently discovered that I can just about get some clean underwear, trousers and t-shirt/blouse along with my lunch (usually sandwiches, banana, apple, yoghurt & crisps) into my saddlebag (as well as mini pump & tools). I leave a jumper/cardigan and shoes at work, along with my shower stuff. So that saves even having to get a rack and panniers. I'll leave a bungee in the saddle bag too on the off chance I need to take home more than I brought in - stuff in carrier bag and bungee to rack (like I did yesterday with 3 lettuces!)

 

[Llama]

Hi Kez

With regard to the lock - on chainreaction for £30 you can get the series four -far better.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19330

Personally I find wiggle expensive - I use Chain reaction cycles, Edinburgh Bike Co op and All terrain Cycles. Ah and as for the rack edinburgh bike co op do one for £12 see
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...6&f_SupersetQRY=Krack&f_SortOrderID=-1&f_bct=
they do a 26" as well same price

Hope this helps

 

[jimboalee]

I've got a rack in my bits box.
I'll photo it when I get home and post the photo.

Maybe it would suit your needs.

My BSA 20" has a rack and big black box. Try carrying two four packs and a 2l bottle of cider in a rucksack.

 

[Tynan]

defo pannier, and I swore by rack alone for ages, gets the weight a bit lower and gives the bike some width, and it's easier to take off/put on, +1 for ortleib when budget allows

and carry the bare minimum you have to, plan ahead, I buy more locks and leave them in the places I lock up, leave clothes at work, etc etc

it's the packed lunch and the bare minimum spares bag I squint at and weigh thoughtfully in my hand every week now

 

[punkypossum]

For the lock, I've got this one from halfrauds...gold rated, not too expensive (plus they usually have regular 20% off days, etc.) and so far I'm very happy with it...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...d=10001&partNumber=286427&langId=-1&source=td

 

[summerdays]

On-guard D-locks usually do reasonably well in the tests and are a little bit cheaper than some other brands. So you can pick one of those up for about £20.

(+another vote for Ortlieb when you can afford it - brilliant bags from waterproofness and adjustability on the rack)

 

[Unkraut]

Definitely get the weight off the back. When I first started I swore a rucksack was fine. It wasn't until I got a bike with a rack that I realised just how much horrid it was, especially in the summer.

A rucksack can get a tad heavy if you have to put too much stuff in it I agree, but at least in winter it can be an extra source of insulation, keeping most if not all of your back warm. This is particularly important for the lower back/kidney area.

 

[Tynan]

if you're worrying about your back getting cold you're really going slow, that's usually sweaty area one