Recommend me some beginners gear

[Deleted member 20519]

I believe aldi also have some lights in their sale next week, although planet x do some good lights ..
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q...nar_15_lux_front_with_1_2_watt_rear_light_set
With lights its always best to have 2 on the front and the rear just in case one fails and to give more light , i run 2 on the front and 3 on the rear .
This is cheap and 2 sets should be plenty ?
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/LISM7LU7R/smart_7_lux_front_with_7_led_rear_light_set

Aren't the Aldi lights just the same as the poundland lights?

 

[middleagecyclist]

A pair of front and rear Knog Frogs. Great little 'be seen' lights that fit just about anywhere you might want without a bracket. They are good quality and inexpensive IMHO. Make nice secondary lights later as well.

 

[Matt1705]

On the subject of lights, isn't it law to have ones that conform to some British Standard?
No idea if mine do, but they weren't the cheapest in the shop. :/

 

[middleagecyclist]

On the subject of lights, isn't it law to have ones that conform to some British Standard?/

Hope this is useful.

 

[cyberknight]

Aren't the Aldi lights just the same as the poundland lights?

i doubt it, although aldi kit is cheap its a lot better quality than pundland stuff,
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_26725.htm

 

[G2EWS]

Having just started commuting and biking on weekends my advice would be to make yourself comfortable in all conditions.

I have tried biking regularly in the past and not enjoyed it. So what is the difference?

A good bike with gears that work easily, a bugbear of mine in years gone by. I accept that I may not have been that good at setting the gears up myself and should have asked for help.
Waterproof and warm clothes.

However, I did get soaked on my ride in the rain yesterday, but it did not bother me. I have asked on here and got some good advice about how to deal with that.
Lights as others have said are critical. In my opinion as a road user rather than my limited experience of biking, you need some very bright and flashing led lights so you are seen by other road users. I just sold my two electric bikes we used to ride on campsites and my friends who bought them, also bought a couple of sets of Lidl lights. In my honest opinion the rear single none flashing led is pointless and I told them to get another set. I am fairly certain that the 'cheaper' Halfords ones have at least three led's which can flash. I have a cheap set I bought maybe 5 years ago and they do. If memory serves they cost about £10 a set.

Best regards

Chris

 

[Berties]

if you are going to spend any time in the saddle,a pair of padded shorts that are a good quality and fit correct,nothing worse than a sore or chaffed under carriage ,rest of clothing is a personal thing,i road cycle so have gone to merano wool and arm/leg warmers
with the drop in temp,though a good vented waterproof jacket is needed
always carry enough kit to change a tube levers and tube and serviceable pump,and a multitool if no quick release,
lights you can spend what you need do you need to see or be seen i have a moon front light got reduced but at £85 it covers the whole road,
tyre changes are a good idea due tho the fact you will find your way on your cycling journey, and you will want to buy different bikes on your journey and buying right and to what you need is essential ,so if you can dual use a bike all the better
good luck and safe riding

 

[Rural halfwit]

+1 for some decent padded shorts

 

[jackhandy]

Lidl recently had hiking jackets thiat seem ideal for on a bike. they have 'pit zpips and don't feel too boil-in-the-bagish.
I have a brace of small cree led torch-style lights on the front & a sequencing flasher on the back. Got them on ebay for 17 quid all in. amazingly bright.

 

[SS Retro]

The Plain black Aldi wool jersey looks a good buy at under £15. I am going to pop down in a min to see if they have any of it out ready for the morning as I can't get there till later on tomorrow.

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Ordered some Schwalbe city jets and inner tubes. Also got these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Front-Light-Rear-Lights/dp/B005GPLXFA/ref=pd_ys_iyr5, these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raleigh-Sunglasses/dp/B000W4CSU4/ref=pd_ys_iyr6, and these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trans-Alloy-Bend-Ends-Silver/dp/B0013XVZ5M/ref=pd_ys_iyr8. Also got to Aldi this morning and picked up some stuff.

One of the new tyres has arrived but I am still waiting for the other (dont ask why they came seperately). Changed my tyre last night and it took me 45 minutes. I think I better get some practice in for when I have to do it at the roadside.

All in all I'm looking forward to getting out on the road with my new stuff. Just hope that other tyre comes soon!!

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

Just popped in aldi in manchester and there was loads of stuff left. Didnt get anything though cos I have spent enough this past week!!!

 

[Boon 51]

Deffo the padded shorts I got a cheap pair first but they not for me so I spent a bit and got some better ones...
PS.. yes its a great username..