What kit and how to pack it?

[richie244]

So I will hopefully be on my bike next week and looking to get started.

The first question is what kit do I need (recommendations on types/ brands will be gratefully received.)

The second is where do you pack it all. Having been on a ride with a mate on an old bone rather he seemed to pull bits form every where yet not a bag in sight.

Bits list but no Idea where to put the spare bits.

Helmet (Got but may renew)

Shorts (I've been told to get bib shorts but my local shop didn't have any with so many to chose form which are good for beginners bums?)

Top ( got a t-shirt type with pockets in back

Pump (one of those CO2 jobs)

Spare inner tube

Multi tool (What kind)

Tire levers

Lights for when it gets darker.

Phone and money.

 

[JoshM]

Helmet (Got but may renew) some people here will tell you that a helmet is optional, I personally use one. Remember that if your old helmet has had a knock in an accident it should be replaced. Obviously this goes on your napper.

Shorts (I've been told to get bib shorts but my local shop didn't have any with so many to chose form which are good for beginners bums? This is going to be a matter of personal choice. Probably worth buying a couple of brands and see what you prefer. Personally I like DhB, enough padding but not too bulky for a short ass like me.

Top ( got a t-shirt type with pockets in back My cycle jerseys (short and long sleeved ) have 3 pockets at the back. This is where my tube and multi tool go.

Pump (one of those CO2 jobs) I use a proper pump rather than a CO2 and attach it to the frame along side my water bottle cage. This was advised to me because a pump is multi use but CO2 is single use.

Spare inner tube stored in my jersey pocket.

Multi tool (What kind) so long as it has everything you need (the size of Allan keys you need, and the spanner bit that fits your wheel lock if it's not quick release) then brand is irrelevant really. Stored in my cycle jersey.

Tire levers. Worth getting some fairly robust levers. Stored in a wee pouch with my multi tool. Stored in jersey.

Lights for when it gets darker. Stored on bike in situ and removed when I leave the bike.

Phone and money. Phone stored (in a waterproof case) on a mount on the handlebars as I use it as a cycle computer. Money in a zip pouch on my cycle jersey.

 

[mjr]

My tool bag lives on the rear rack but it could be a tool bottle instead. It contains Revolution tyre levers, sticker patches and usually a hex drive T bar and bits, a quarter inch drive sliding bar and sockets, adjustable wrench, mini Park chain tool, missing links, hand wipes, emergency button cell rear light, snack. Mini track pump is elsewhere on the bike, as is inner tube.I don't bother with CO2, helmet or padded shorts but I've ridden since I was a child without really ever stopping so I've probably got a hard arse.

 

[NorthernDave]

Shorts wise, Wiggle's DHB and Decathlon's B'Twin are good budget ranges, if you avoid the very cheapest examples. Planet X always have offers on too.

Park are highly regarded for multi tools, but I've got Topeak ones that do the job fine.

Just get a saddle bag to put everything in - like this:http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-aero-wedge-clip-on-small-saddle-bag/

 

[mjr]

Top ( got a t-shirt type with pockets in back My cycle jerseys (short and long sleeved ) have 3 pockets at the back. This is where my tube and multi tool go.

Putting anything harder than your spine in your jersey pockets could be a very bad idea in a crash

 

[Spiderweb]

Another thumbs up for Planet X gear. The Clubman bib shorts are great at £19.99 and they have excellent Cycle tops at £10. They are also Cheap for Bottles, cages and lights. You may also want to look at small saddlebags (seat packs) to put spare tube, tyre levers etc.

 

[simongt]

My two penn'orth is I wouldn't use bib shorts. Simply 'cos having used them in the past, when nature calls, it's impossible to get them off without taking your top off first.

 

[vickster]

Bottle cages and bottles as it sounds like you are planning longer rides

What tyres are Dolan providing with the bike, might be worth upgrading to something more puncture proof as part of the build if they are basic ones?

As above get a proper pump unless you are rising against the clock, get some stick on patches too in case you puncture more than once

Personally I don't carry anything hard in my jersey pockets, I had back surgery years ago and dont like having anything against the scar!

 

[Catweasel]

I use padded underwear - no real opinion on them yet but you might wanna take a look - mine came from amazon (here)

As for where to stash the stuff - I've got a very small seat post bag - barely room for an inner tube - no need for levers - fingers ftw - although the only reason I know this is that I've done it. I also got myself a handebar bag (here)- makes like way easier. Room for munchies, tools (pretty much just allen keys, a leatherman and a few cable ties), a second inner tube, wallet, phone etc etc.Has a map case on top - one of my better investments I reckon. Be aware a handlebar bag can mess with light placement.

I did consider c02 canisters but settled on a good old fashioned pump

Lights, bog standard cheap and cheerful on the back - and I went for a cheapish front light that can double up as a torch (here).

Other goodies that I got were a Brooks B17 saddle, cheap pannier racks, cheap panniers, a bell and a water-bottle and holder.

 

[cyberknight]

So I will hopefully be on my bike next week and looking to get started.


Shorts (I've been told to get bib shorts but my local shop didn't have any with so many to chose form which are good for beginners bums?)
i rode 63 mile club run in wiggle essential bib shorts , £18 and they were comfy

.

 

[wonderloaf]

One of the best investments I made was in a Tool Bottle, using this means that I don't have to stuff my jersey to the brim with tools, tubes etc and they are all ready to go when I want to go out on the bike. I can get the following into my tool bottle:

Multitool
Small Leatherman type tool
Puncture Repair Outfit
- NB all the above come from Wilkinsons
2 x Pedros Tyre Levers
Spoke Key
Chain Splitter
Spare Chain Quick Links
Cable Ties
Money
Front Door Key
ID Card
Cycle Insurance Certificate (just in case!)
Latex Gloves (hate getting the hands dirty!). Also used to wrap some of the parts to stop them rattling in the bottle.
Spare Pair of Lenses for the Sunnies

I don't take a spare inner tube as I use self healing tubes, extra weight and a bit more cost but more convenient in my view.

The downside is that it only leaves one bottle holder for a water bottle, but when I do occasionally need another I can stuff it into a jersey pocket (just).
The only things I carry in my jersey are the phone, flannel (for when I get sweaty ...urrgh), gloves, cycling cap, sunglasses and reading glasses. Maybe an energy bar or gels if I'm on a long ride.

As someone has already stated a lot of this can be obtained from Planet X for reasonable prices, especially if you build up an order and only pay one postage charge.

 

[JoshM]

Putting anything harder than your spine in your jersey pockets could be a very bad idea in a crash

Food for thought. Will pick myself up a wee saddle bag. Thanks for that.

 

[MichaelW2]

Don't make your saddle bag too wee.
Winter riding needs more baggage, eg extra layers for when you stop.
Don't forget fingerless mitts or gloves in colder weather. The main use is protection during a crash: hands are the first to hit tarmac and the slowest part to heal. Even cheap Aldi gloves will save your hands from a skinning.

 

[steveindenmark]

Take a bike pump as well. In case you run out of CO2.

 

[Salad Dodger]

The following relates to my mountain bike.

I bought a cheap imitation Nalgene bottle from sports direct, and keep tools, puncture repair patches, tyre levers, cable ties, a couple of spare small bolts and a chain tool and spare chain link in it. I carry it in a bottle cage on the frame of the bike. Because it is liable to jump out of the cage on big bumps, i secure it with a velcro strap, and that also holds a small pump against the bike frame. On the back of the seat is a very small seat pack with a spare inner tube, in case of need.

I always take the stuff nentioned above, even on short local rides, because walking even 3 miles home with a busted chain and no way if fixing it really sucks........

If i am out for longer, and want to also take water and a windproof top, and/or camera, wallet, food then i use a rear rack which attaches to the seat post of the bike, and has cheap lightweight, but not warerproof, panniers on it.

I am not claiming that this is the most brilliant arrangement in the world, but it works fine for me. Others riding longer distances, or on really lightweight bikes, will find other set-ups that work for them.