Cycling kit - bewildered!

[ocb]

(not sure if this is the right place for this??)
Hi all,

I'm pretty new to this modern cycling thing. In the early to mid 80s, before I got my first car, cycling was a means to an end - getting around.

30 years later, I find myself in the same position. I'm using a bike to get around. However, a visit to the local bike shops, and once the bike is bought - that seems like the *easiest* part is done. Where to start with additional kit??!!

Before, it was a bike. Nobody wore a helmet. Some had a bike clip for their trouser leg. Show-offs had a pump attached to their bike. The real pros - they had a light (that worked) attached to a dynamo.

I have a helmet, gloves, cheapo dayglo jacket from Sports Direct, and yesterday I bought a Botanger ion RT 700 light. I've been faffing around for weeks on buying a decent light (enough to get home after dark), reading online reviews and prices on Amazon etc.

I started to look at what else I could get to help me make sure I can commute as often as possible on 2 wheels. I very quickly got a sore head and left the shop.

Things I've been looking at online:
Helmet mounted lighting (impressed by the Vis 360+)
Clothing that'll put up cold wet conditions

The question is - what accessories/kit have more seasoned cyclists bought that they'd highly rate??

 

[Wicky]

A couple or three pairs of decent padded stretchy cycling shorts.

 

[RobF]

A couple or three pairs of decent padded stretchy cycling shorts.

...is all you really need.

All the rest is optional.

 

[EddiePJ]

ocb, for night time use, anything that has Scotch Brite 3m built into it is a good safety option. As is fitting 3m stickers to the bike if doing road work.

Places such as Mountain Warehouse are good source for cheap reliable waterproof jackets. My only complaint being, that the jackets often lack any meaningful pockets.

One thing that I do hate about winter riding, is cold hands, and cold feet. I can't really recommend any products, but someone might be able to.

I relation to lighting, I'm not a fan of helmet lights, but plenty of people seem to be.

A couple or three pairs of decent padded stretchy cycling shorts.

During the winter I tend to wear Rose thermal bib tights, which are amazingly hard wearing and durable, and have remained comfortable at all times.

Now for a handy hint in relation to the shorts.

I have two pairs Altura and Specialised, although I can't remember which that I have preference for, but the handy hint, is to buy a few pairs of Lidls £3.99 long johns, and wear them underneath. They help keep the lower legs warm enough, and if riding off road, you don't have to be concerned about them getting ruined. Not that mine have yet, and two pairs have so far lasted three years.

 

[ocb]

So, shorts - that is one area I instantly got a headache looking at!
There's Muddyfox shorts at a few quid, 3/4 shorts, bib style etc. Then there's full length kit. Then there's waterproof overwear...some of which seems to make under garments unnecessary??

Good to know it's worth the effort getting my head round.

Lidl, I've tried a couple of times - looking specifically for bamboo t-shirts, but didn't look at long johns. Must try again.

 

[Gringo]

If you suffer from cold feet I'd recomend neopreen fishing socks, they'll help keep your feet warm even if your boots/shoes aren't waterproof.

 

[pichipedals]

If you suffer from cold feet I'd recomend neopreen fishing socks, they'll help keep your feet warm even if your boots/shoes aren't waterproof.

or silk socks under ski socks - well known extra layer in the skiing world that adds a little warmth without any extra bulk.

Same applies for the hands - silk gloves/lines add another layer.

Probably want to be looking at sealskinz outer gloves for all weather work though.

Not mentioned but you want to be carrying a suitable bike mutlitool to cope with any emergencies, maybe in addition chain repair links, and either a spare inner tube or puncture kit

 

[VictoryV]

Clothing that'll put up cold wet conditions

The question is - what accessories/kit have more seasoned cyclists bought that they'd highly rate??[/QUOTE]

http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/feature/uq/heattech/men/

cannot recommend too highly, and for everyday use as well

 

[Lancslass]

I'm far from being a dedicated Winter biker, but I have had a kidney transplant and consequently suffer badly from the cold. I do find that my old motorbiking/ski balaclava under my cycling hat helps keep me warm. Something like this:

I am still trying to sort out which gloves to wear. I have ski gloves which keep me warm, but I don't always manage to operate the pedal assist button first time with the bulky fingers.

 

[D C]

I am still trying to sort out which gloves to wear.

I have a pair of windproof fleece gloves (must be windproof) and when its really cold I wear a pair of those thin very stretchy "one size fit's all" under the fleece ones.
This gives you three choices of warmth and I've been out in -10 and below and been okay.
Pedal power bike at that temp as I don't want to freeze the battery!
Dave.

 

[Benjahmin]

I just bought one of these:
http://www.hillanddaleoutdoors.co.uk/productDetail.php?productId=3044&brand=13
Have bee using a Lidl cycling jacket, it's OK but the sleeves are NOT breathable, leaving me with cold damp arms after a climb.
The Paramo is heaven. Still sweat but, because it's breathable and directional it soon dries when going down hill. It's a bit pricey but I have another paramo jacket that's about 25 years old and still going strong and functioning well.

 

[flash]

For winter use go for a ski helmet for your head, or if you are not bothered about a helmet, try a nice woolly bob hat.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ski-Snowboarding-Helmet-size-L-Grey-unisex-New-/161939981319?hash=item25b4600407:g:rSgAAOSwoydWjnwQ

Gloves go for inners and outers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thermal-Military-Inner-Liner-Glove-Ski-walking-fishing-Highlander-Thermalite-/301836283197?var=&hash=item4646d82d3d:m:mjLnzH5RH-BGjZA1KhCRG3Q

If you are comfortable go with mitts for the outers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arctic-Cold-Weather-Mitts-DPM-Camo-Fur-Lined-/330589751780?var=&hash=item4cf8af49e4:m:mwTsVgsaRMZIax2hl1ILccA

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-WindProof-Cycling-Eigo-Lobster-Gloves-Olive-Free-P-P-/261260257078?var=&hash=item3cd4532736:m:mK7-i94KVq-Df3zOLBwq_Tw

 

[KirstinS]

Planet x have a good sale for waterproof gear

I bought a condom jacket (yes really called that) and some overtrousers for 40quid total

They have performed as well as my 150 quid Gore jacket and 100 quid altura overtrousers......So far

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLAGSECM/agu-secco-condom-mens-rainjacket

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLAGBKTR/agu-beak-waterproof-cycling-trousers


I'm not convinced the trousers will last as long as the altura attacks but they pack smaller

 

[ocb]

Just a quick update. I dug out my old Nike gore-tex copy. It had been lying in a box, bought the thing 16 years ago. It stood up impeccably against a gale force rainstorm and me doing 35+kmh head-on into it for an hour.
My over-trousers were simple boil-in-the-bag, but with the temp at 4oC I didn't get up enough heat to sweat.
My feet and hands were soaked tho.
I've now ordered "Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Active Shell Pant".
Also ordered over-shoe protection from AliExpress.
Last thing will be gore-tex or similar over-gloves...and I'll be all set!
Of course, it won't rain for the next 9 months....(as if!)

 

[KirstinS]

Just a quick update. I dug out my old Nike gore-tex copy. It had been lying in a box, bought the thing 16 years ago. It stood up impeccably against a gale force rainstorm and me doing 35+kmh head-on into it for an hour.
My over-trousers were simple boil-in-the-bag, but with the temp at 4oC I didn't get up enough heat to sweat.
My feet and hands were soaked tho.
I've now ordered "Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Active Shell Pant".
Also ordered over-shoe protection from AliExpress.
Last thing will be gore-tex or similar over-gloves...and I'll be all set!
Of course, it won't rain for the next 9 months....(as if!)

I really rate my gore bike wear jackets over the years. Way too pricey at rrrp imho but I usually price match evans cycles against someone- get internet prices and customer service you

I recently bought some cheapo trousers with built in semi rigid shoe protectors.

As a year round commuter of some 7 years I'm astounded how well they work

They seem and look like a selling point without any ablilty to deliver

So wrong, and happily so

 

[ocb]

Indeed - Evans had the best price, a good 35% cheaper than the standard.

I know these are cheesy American videos on the wonders of Gore-tex, but I quite enjoyed them!

 

[anotherkiwi]

I have cheap decathlon trousers - look horrible, keep water out, protect shoes (waterproof already)...

 

[KirstinS]

I have cheap decathlon trousers - look horrible, keep water out, protect shoes (waterproof already)...

I have a decathlon pac a mac style scooter speciific waterproof. It is fantastic

Bought in 2005 for 8 quid. Travelled round the world for 18 months , used and abused, length to below knee

Still perfectly waterproof. Best thing I ever bought in this regard ........but why are the sleeves 3/4 length I'll never understand

 

[ocb]

Latest addition to my worrying large amount of kit (I think I'm turning into a cycling geek):
Carradice Super C SQR Slim
After months of hesitation, and cursing myself for having sweaty back + sore shoulders, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a bike bag.

Gore Bike WearUniversal Wind Stopper Thermo Gloves.
I've not had the chance to try them on the bike yet. Only time I went out, 30km commute last week, I grabbed my usual set. The Gore trousers are fantastic though. Pricey, but I'm happy.

Shimano XT BR-T78 Brakes front and back
I should mention I'm on a fitness kick right now - no ebiking - using my folding 26" MTB to commute as much as possible the next few weeks. V-type brakes on the bike were cr@p, spring pin was bent on 2 of the 4. I toyed with idea of a disk brake conversion...too much hassle.

Shimano MT34 SPD Touring Cycle Shoes
My first venture into clippy shoes!

Shimano PD-M540 Pedals
To go with the shoes. Debated long and hard between the 520,530 and 540. Still not convinced the 540 is best - I wanted small as possible, but worried the 520s are too small.

LifeLine Performance Spoke Wrench
3 different sizes. One wheel on my MTB definitely needs truing...(I didn't even know what that meant a few weeks ago...)

Spare tubes
Looking at a clever way to attach one under the saddle...

Next is my 26" e-MTB.....and a water bottle...oh, and a decent bike repair stand....and...when does it stop???!!!