The essentials for a beginner?

[Rob3rt]

For a 6 mile commute I'd take as little as possible, 2 spare tubes and a repair kit to fix up any punctures once you get to work so you will then have them as spares for the way home, takes like 10-15 mins to repair 2 tubes if you have access to a sink at work and you can do it while eating lunch or something, eating while the glue goes tacky. Plus a small pump to pump them up if you need to use them, if you get a flat, you will hardly be concerned about having perfect pressure in your spares you will want to get moving again.

A track pump good to have to keep at home though.

Things like shorts etc are totally down to preference, I ride 20-30 mile round trip for leisure a number of times a week and I do not wear any cycle specific clothing. It works for me, wont for others. Wouldnt get hung up on clothing.

 

[potsy]

padded shorts are these easy to find not too exspensive and would u go against Lycra then ?

p.s sorry only just found the multi quote button after this post

I have a couple of pairs of these for shortish rides-
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Earnley_Padded_Under_Shorts/5360021960/
And these for anything longer-
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=12993
These can also be 'clicked in' to compatible Endura shorts/baggies.

 

[slowmotion]

If you are getting gloves or track mitts, I would go for ones with gel pads on the palm. I found that they made my rides a whole lot more comfortable.

 

[MLC]

A topeak Morph (apologies for spelling) is a great pump if you have the space for it a cross between a track pump and a mini pump about £ 25.

A cycle computer as you will be wanting to measure your commute time and speed.

Oh and some things you can scrimp on and some things you can't Always try & buy the best you can this doesn't necessarily mean the best name but the best quality. A waterproof jacket you must go for something waterproof and breathable avoid the boil in the bag jackets if you can.

Then you will need a very good savings account for when the bug bites.

 

[Mikesbike]

Thank you guys have been very helpful , I've got the things which I think are the most important from which you've suggested ... can't wait get my new bike today

 

[Paulus]

hmm probaly get a small rucksack as sometimes will need to take extra things to work.

Why not fit a rack and get some panniers in the near future. With a ruck sack, you may get a sweaty patch in the area of your back in contact with the rucksack, also some backache.

 

[MarkF]

Good luck Mike, I started (properly) on a 201, good bikes, I had a couple more Disco's and now have a 501. I bought a computer, lights, rack, panniers, fitted marathon +'s and I don't think I bought anything else for a couple of years. Enjoy yourself!