What bits do I need?

[yellowhammer]

So I'm going to buy my bike on Friday, but what else shall I pick up while I'm there? I'm on a bit of a budget (skint) so I can't go too mad. I'm thinking; Mudguards, lights, pump, couple of tubes, puncture repair kit, helmet. The shop is swapping the knobblies for semi slicks for me, I'd like a rack but probably can't afford it this month. I've got loads of motorcycle locks that will have to do for now, even though they weigh a ton.

Any recommendations when it comes to the above kit? Anything else I've forgotten? The bike is a Giant Rainier that I'll be commuting on eventually. That's the theory anyway

 

[TVC]

Hi Yellowhammer and welcome.

Just one tube should do, you would be very unlucky to blow two on a ride, and if you do then the repair kit will do. Unless you know that you will be commuting in the dark over the summer the lights can wait until september. A multitool like this one http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17875 could be useful to carry with you. Finally, proper padded shorts are great if your budget will stretch.

 

[BalkanExpress]

So I'm going to buy my bike on Friday, but what else shall I pick up while I'm there? I'm on a bit of a budget (skint) so I can't go too mad. I'm thinking; Mudguards, lights, pump, couple of tubes, puncture repair kit, helmet. The shop is swapping the knobblies for semi slicks for me, I'd like a rack but probably can't afford it this month. I've got loads of motorcycle locks that will have to do for now, even though they weigh a ton.

Any recommendations when it comes to the above kit? Anything else I've forgotten? The bike is a Giant Rainier that I'll be commuting on eventually. That's the theory anyway

If the budget is a real issue maybe spread the purchases out over a couple of months, as long term its better to get one good bit of kit than a few less good bits. This depends though on the type of riding you will be doing and when. If you are not commuting yet then maybe wait to get the mudguards, similarly for the lights.

 

[summerdays]

Again coming into summer the mudguards are (hopefully) less essential, if you were really desparate to get a rack instead.

 

[Randochap]

The shop is swapping the knobblies for semi slicks for me

Is there any (good) reason you are buying a mountain bike to (presumably) ride on the road?

 

[ASC1951]

Just one tube should do, you would be very unlucky to blow two on a ride, and if you do then the repair kit will do.

I disagree - if you go over something sharp it is quite possible to blow both at the same time. The repair kit can wait until you get home.

I confess I don't bother mending tubes these days, because they're only £1.99 in my LBS, but I always carry two. (I don't bother with mudguards, either, but if I was commuting i.e. having to ride in bad weather, I would certainly get some in the autumn.)

 

[HJ]

lights, a couple of solid tyres to reduce the chance of a puncture, helmet and a decent track pump.

Why would anyone need a track pump and solid tyres?

Save money don't bother with the helmet and get a copy of cyclecraft, if you know how to cycle properly then you don't need to waste money on a helmet...

 

[Nadeen]

Why would anyone need a track pump and solid tyres?

Save money don't bother with the helmet and get a copy of cyclecraft, if you know how to cycle properly then you don't need to waste money on a helmet...

What if the cyclist isnt at fault but is hurt due to an idiot driver?

I would have thought a helmet was essential
Or am I missing something?

 

[Sittingduck]

What if the cyclist isnt at fault but is hurt due to an idiot driver?

I would have thought a helmet was essential
Or am I missing something?

Hi Nadeen
You will soon come to see the (often heated) debate surrounding helmets on the forum!

Best of luck with the cycling and keep us updated on your progress.
SD

 

[Nadeen]

Oh dear

 

[Randochap]

What if the cyclist isnt at fault but is hurt due to an idiot driver?

I would have thought a helmet was essential
Or am I missing something?

It is Nadeen, unless one doesn't have anything to protect.

 

[col]

Two allen keys
Screwdriver reversable with cross and flat heads
Mini pliers
Chain tool( cheap one just for an emergency)
Puncture repair kit
pump(zefal full size)

This is what I take with me everytime when Im heading out of town, Im going to get a couple of innertubes too as it would be a lot better changing those instead of repairing on the roadside.
Other things like clothing is personal preference, I still use my old three in one outer coat that I used fifteen years ago if it looks like rain, and use normal trousers, though I will get some padded shorts soon, as its more comfortable anyway.
Recently I bought a front light from halfords for £22 which seems dear but it has three leds which are white and can be flash mode or constant, it works well.
Normally I wouldnt bother with a lock unless Im expecting to go into a shop, which I dont normally, but the one I have is a coil one, good enough for the bike shed at work as it has a locked door to it.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I would say

A Helmet,

Spare inner tube an Puncture repair kit

and finally

Padded shorts.

 

[yellowhammer]

Excellent! All good advice, thank you - I didn't think to leave the mudguards until later as it was raining when I posted I've got one of these;http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/nitecore/nitecore-d20.html in one of these; http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/fenix/fenix-flashlight-mount.html to use as a front light so I may just pick up a cheapy rear in case I get caught out after dark.

Is there any (good) reason you are buying a mountain bike to (presumably) ride on the road?

Don't, I'm still wondering if I've made the right decision. My commute will be four miles road, three miles tow path/muddy track/potholes & speed bumps. Matey in my local shop knows the route and reckons it's inappropriate for a hybrid (which I was looking at first).

Why would anyone need a track pump and solid tyres?

Save money don't bother with the helmet and get a copy of cyclecraft, if you know how to cycle properly then you don't need to waste money on a helmet...

I'm not too bad with road craft, even if I say so myself. I've been a full-time motorcycle instructor for over fifteen years (until this year) and I've seen what can happen on two wheels. I'll definitely pick the book up, and thanks for the link. But I'm gonna wear a lid!

So, is a full-size pump a better bet than those little ones? The small ones are shinier, surely that means they're better?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1

It is Nadeen, unless one doesn't have anything to protect.