What else are we going to need?

I think we've narrowed down our choice to two Cube reaction hybrid pro allroad, his and hers. When we make the buy what else should we think about? I mean obviously a helmet, maybe gloves but are there other essentials we should consider?

My thinking is we start with the basics and buy stuff as we need it. Make sense?

Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.

Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

 

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.

Thanks, excellent information.

Puncture proof tires? There is such a thing?

My thinking is we start with the basics and buy stuff as we need it. Make sense?

It can depend on how far you are going and the time of year.

The one key item to have with you, in my opinion, is a waterproof\windproof, unless you are super fit and can cycle regardless like tour riders.

Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.

Right. I think the guy at my local shop talked about Marathon.

Thanks again.

It can depend on how far you are going and the time of year.

 

The one key item to have with you, in my opinion, is a waterproof\windproof, unless you are super fit and can cycle regardless like tour riders.

 

Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.

That's a very good point. Especially here in England.

Thanks.

Tannus make them but they are hard, others use Marathon tyres.

Schwalbe have introduced their own Tannus-like Airless tyres too:

Home - SAS Airless (schwalbe.com)

Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.

Agreed! My list:

- multitool*

- puncture repair kit (or spare inner tube)

- mini pump

- waterbottle & cage

- and for when it all goes wrong, a phone

Agreed on the waterproof front too. Or check the weather carefully, ahead of time.

A basic £20 waterproof is great for an hour or two just to get you home, but if it's all day you'll need something that's bike-specific & breathable (unlike yourself when you see the prices).

*which one, though? That's a whole new thread! Just make sure you can remove the wheels with it. (Practice at home first)

Right. I think the guy at my local shop talked about Marathon.

Thanks again.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus SmartGuard Flat-less about £40 fitted.

If you fit Marathon Plus tyres or equivalent, you won't need a puncture kit. I used to get punctures nearly every ride, but since I fitted them 7 years ago, I haven't had a single puncture despite getting a three inch nail burried two inches into the tyre.

There's a phone app called MyRadar that shows individual rain clouds coming. It's extremely accurate and reliable, so there's no need to get wet when you ride. I can time my shopping trips to within minutes of rain on either side of my riding.

If you fit Marathon Plus tyres or equivalent, you won't need a puncture kit. I used to get punctures nearly every ride, but since I fitted them 7 years ago, I haven't had a single puncture despite getting a three inch nail burried two inches into the tyre.

 

There's a phone app called MyRadar that shows individual rain clouds coming. It's extremely accurate and reliable, so there's no need to get wet when you ride. I can time my shopping trips to within minutes of rain on either side of my riding.

Great. Sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the app tip. I'll check it out.

Agreed! My list:

- multitool*

- puncture repair kit (or spare inner tube)

- mini pump

- waterbottle & cage

- and for when it all goes wrong, a phone

 

Agreed on the waterproof front too. Or check the weather carefully, ahead of time.

A basic £20 waterproof is great for an hour or two just to get you home, but if it's all day you'll need something that's bike-specific & breathable (unlike yourself when you see the prices).

 

*which one, though? That's a whole new thread! Just make sure you can remove the wheels with it. (Practice at home first)

Thanks for the tips. Practicing at home makes a lot of sense. So much to learn.

Carrying a spare inner tube might be the way to go rather than fooling with a patch kit.

Edited August 10, 20214 yr by Point Reyes

Thanks for the tips. Practicing at home makes a lot of sense. So much to learn.

Carrying a spare inner tube might be the way to go rather than fooling with a patch kit.

I do carry a spare tube, just dont want the hassle of doing a roadside repair. My small mico pump is 17cm long and 82g.

As for Waterproof jackets, there are cheap Stowaway or Packable ones you can get from Go-Outdoors, there is one on offer at the moment for £5. Being cheap these waterproofs will be thin which makes them pack down small and light.

And if you want a Rucsack to carry the stuff, then Go-Outdoors do a bright coloured packaway one that will set you back £4.97;

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15901556/handy-heroes-pack-away-backpack-15l-15901556

Weighs 130g.

On the subject of the Tannus Armour, I bought them to try out on some marathon plus tour tyres.

I have had to remove them, could not get them straight in the tyres and if they are not exactly stright they make the wheels wobble.

Depends what you want the bikes for, you didn't say. For us rack and panniers are essential as most of our shopping is by bike.

I'll second the Marathon Plus. Went from 3 punctures a week commuting to none for several years working; and still none nearly 15 years into retirement. Our son has managed a couple even with the MPs over 10 years so so. They do have two downsides, worth paying for us but ? for you). A somewhat harsh ride compared to some more flexible tyres. Enough forward grip in most cases, but can be slipply on sideways mud, eg bridleways that slope sideways.

p.s. We haven't tried Tannus Armour but did try similar on a previous tyre. Careful but very slightly wrong fitting meant that they actually caused a puncture. Also no sidewall protection, and certainly not needed with MPs.

We tried slime a long time ago. Result was then when we had a puncture soon after we had a very mucky tyres and an irreparable inner tube. Many agree with us, but others seem to love it, thought.

I do carry a spare tube, just dont want the hassle of doing a roadside repair. My small mico pump is 17cm long and 82g.

 

As for Waterproof jackets, there are cheap Stowaway or Packable ones you can get from Go-Outdoors, there is one on offer at the moment for £5. Being cheap these waterproofs will be thin which makes them pack down small and light.

 

And if you want a Rucsack to carry the stuff, then Go-Outdoors do a bright coloured packaway one that will set you back £4.97;

 

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15901556/handy-heroes-pack-away-backpack-15l-15901556

 

Weighs 130g.

GoOutDoors is loaded with stuff. I haven't shopped there but will. Thanks alot!

GoOutDoors is loaded with stuff. I haven't shopped there but will. Thanks alot!

A lot of 'Specialist' outdoor type shops dont sell much cheap stuff, after all they want you to buy the expensive stuff.

Go Outdoors is an exception, yes they have top of the range stuff, but they also do a lot of real value kit as well. And if you want to pose and pretend your a Tour winner, they sell that cycle kit as well.

Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

 

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.

You can get a bring bring from asda for less than £2 last time I bought one earlier this year but who knows after Brexit (joke) before we get too far off topic.

Or, if you're feeling stylish, and want a bell that doesn't get bashed when you have to flip the bike over (to fix those punctures you're never going to get, right!), get an Oi!

(Just be sure to measure and see if you have space)

You can get a bring bring from asda for less than £2 last time I bought one earlier this year but who knows after Brexit (joke) before we get too far off topic.

Yes, but they have plastic levers which break very soon after you start using them. The Halfords ones have a metal lever, which doesn't break; however, they have plastic gears inside that eventually wear out. The best are the actual vintage ones, which are all metal and last a lifetime. You can find them on Ebay for about a tenner sometimes.