What Kit Do I Need?

[DrDre2010]

What items would you recommend are a no-brainer for any cyclist?

I've already got:
Lights (front & rear)
Lock
Mud Guards (MTB)
Multi Tool Kit (screwdrivers and allen keys)

I'm ordering tonight/tomorrow:
Hydration Bag & Rucksack
Puncture Repair Kit
Spare inner tubes
Bike Pump
Maybe Gloves (I got cold hands tonight)

So anything else people recommend?

 

[funnymummy]

Little seatbag to keep all the 'repair' bits in
Glasses, keep sun & road dust out your eyes

 

[DrDre2010]

Little seatbag to keep all the 'repair' bits in
Glasses, keep sun & road dust out your eyes

Well my intention was to keep the stuff in the rucksack but suppose a seatbag makes sense and glasses are a sure thing actually!

 

[edindave]

Definltely get gloves.
Fingerless at this time of year. Have just ordered a pair of these, seem good value, lot of positive reviews.

 

[DaveyB1981]

Well my intention was to keep the stuff in the rucksack but suppose a seatbag makes sense and glasses are a sure thing actually!

Personally, I would rather avoid the rucksack route and look at the alternatives (saddle/bar bag, pannier etc) Much less sweaty!

Dave

 

[DaveyB1981]

Definltely get gloves.
Fingerless at this time of year. Have just ordered a pair of these, seem good value, lot of positive reviews.

+1 on this. Funny enough I have those same mitts. Good choice!

Dave

 

[DrDre2010]

Definltely get gloves.
Fingerless at this time of year. Have just ordered a pair of these, seem good value, lot of positive reviews.

Ok cheers might give them a whirl then.

Personally, I would rather avoid the rucksack route and look at the alternatives (saddle/bar bag, pannier etc) Much less sweaty!

Dave

I thought a hydration pack with extra space would be better minus the sweaty back of course! But might be a consideration.

 

[david1701]

Ok cheers might give them a whirl then.


I thought a hydration pack with extra space would be better minus the sweaty back of course! But might be a consideration.

depends what you're carrying, I usually have a laptop with me and after a few miles the weight is horrid in a backpack, paticuarly bad if I extend my ride home (which I do a lot)

 

[DrDre2010]

depends what you're carrying, I usually have a laptop with me and after a few miles the weight is horrid in a backpack, paticuarly bad if I extend my ride home (which I do a lot)

Doubtful I'd ever have that much on me. Some snacks, spares and repairs really.

 

[funnymummy]

Well my intention was to keep the stuff in the rucksack but suppose a seatbag makes sense and glasses are a sure thing actually!

Keep everything in a seatbag, then it's always on the bike & you'll have the things you need, when you really need them!
And as a few have mentioned, sweaty backs! Even the best backpack/rucksack will laeve you with a soggy patch & it's amzing how something that seems as light as a feather when you set out feels like a dead weight 5 miles down the road

 

[cyberknight]

windproof/ shower proof jacket that be folded down small and stuck in your bag /pocket just in case !

Buff - best thing since sliced bread !

I m still using thin full finger gloves, mind you it is still nippy at 5 am

power link chain part in case your chain decides to snap, i have never had it happen yet but ....

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=871

 

[ACS]

Decent set of tyre levers

Thin latex gloves. Nothing worse than having to ride with oily, wet hands because the fairy has decided to visit.

2 spare inner tubes. If the fairy visits change the inner tube rather than messing around trying to effect a roadside repair 'cause it will be raining/cold/wet when it happens.

2 chain link connectors and a chain breaking tool

A buff

 

[ian turner]

If you insist on the puncture repair kit over spare tubes then go for the self adhesive patches as there's nothing like a burst tube of glue for fun and games.

Bottle cage and bottle are a no brainer for a cyclist. Hydration sack is getting more adventurous and requires the rucksack and a litre of water on your back is a kg/2.2 lbs of extra weight which is noticeable.

 

[DrDre2010]

Cheers so things added to list:
waterproof mac
buff perhaps
spare chain parts
latex gloves

Already ordered the self adhesive puncture repair patches but also bought a set of 5 new inner tubes!

I don't really seem to have the space for a bottle cage and bottle on my bike as it would sit where my lock is, and if I take off the lock there doesn't seem to be space to sit it elsewhere and then if thats in my bag its weighty as well.

 

[tyred]

Take a small pair of pliers as sometimes it can be difficult to pull the thorn or whatever caused your puncture out of the tyre, and make sure your PRK contains a piece of sandpaper to roughen the tube as not all do.

I usually carry an old 35mm film canister full of swarfega or similar to clean my hands after I've dealt with a mechanical. Just make sure you keep it somewhere where it won't get squashed.