Fifty Plus (50+) - TruF being a pain: Set up and extras for my new bike

stapfam: Truf is now committed. All she is going to be is a pain for the next two weeks asking silly questions about set up and extras to get.

I consider that comment not only permission, but encouragement! :D

So, what extras go on a road bike? And what extras are verboten? And what set up and extras should be part of getting "dialed in" and what set up and extras should I wait on?

Thanks!

Extras....we don't need no stinkin' extras...

We simply call them necessities! ;)

Extras....we don't need no stinkin' extras...

We simply call them necessities! ;)

OK, BillK, what are those necessities? ;)

Essentials:
- pump
- water bottle and water bottle cage
- extra tube + 1 patch kit
- multi-tool
- a little bag to carry the above

Extremely nice to have:
- very light "cafe" lock; just enough to lock up the bike when you run into Starbucks for a break (still keeping an eye on your bike, of course)
- a larger bag for when you want to extend your range, and have space to store jackets, extra clothes, wallet, cell phone, etc.

Personally I think having two or three extra bags of different sizes/capacities is one of the most useful things I own -- the ability to go out for a "light" ride w/just enough stuff to get by vs. a "heavy" ride when I might have a lock, enough space for extra clothing and food, a camera, sunscreen, etc.

I just treated myself to a Carradice seat bag -- $$ but super handy for long rides, e.g.:
http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/carradicesaddlebags.html

Finally, depending on your appetite for riding in nasty weather and the dark:
- Lights
- Booties or winter riding shoes
- Fenders or Race Blades

I consider a water bottle cage, enough stuff to fix one flat tire and a bag to keep it in to be all the necessities I need for a road bike. Helmet, mirror, shorts and bike shoes are necessities for the rider.

Haven't you come to your senses and canceled that frivolous bicycle purchase yet?

Well...while my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek, I was only half joking. One persons' extras are another's necessities.

Some things for my road bike that I consider necessities: computer, pump, light (front & rear), under seat bag (i.e., wedge), extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, multi-tool, water bottles & cages. I'd also put a professional fitting by a knowledgeable employee into this category.

Some things for my road bike that I consider extras: new saddle, new wheels, rear bolt-on rack, heart rate monitor, fenders, rear view mirror, lock (although, depending on where you live/ride, this last one could easily fall into the necessity category).

Verboten extras: kick-stand, boom boxes.

And one non-bike necessity...a helmet.

A bell, you have to have a bell. A nice one too on that bike. Incredibell at least.

When I took test rides on road bikes, I felt really blind without a mirror. I have one on my hybrid. People put them on their road bikes, too?

Haven't you come to your senses and canceled that frivolous bicycle purchase yet?

Nope. I am totally jazzed. I even printed out a picture of it and put it outside my cubicle at work. :p

I had a bit of the jitters the first night after I bought it, but none since then. (I tend to worry the most about everything Sunday night, knowing I have to go to work the next day. Love my job, but I worry anyway. So I don't know if it was the Sunday night frets or the bike...)

Closest thing to second guessing myself was this afternoon when I called the bike shop to comfirm that they ordered the triple instead of the double. I think I frightened the salesguy for a moment when I said, "I'm the one who ordered the 2007 Ruby Expert last Sunday..." I think he was totally bracing himself for me to say, please cancel the order!

People put them on their road bikes, too?

Absolutely. Some people swear by rear-view mirrors that attached to their helmets or eyeglasses. I, on the other hand, prefer ones mounted to either the handlebars or frame.

Frame-based unit (the one I currently use): Bike-Eye (http://www.bike-eye.com/)

Handlebar-based unit: Blackburn Road Mirror (http://www.rei.com/product/736839)

OOH! Can I officially add the new bike to my sig line? What the hell!!

People on roadbikes utilize mirrors?
Yup, been a roadie for over a quarter million miles and utilize an eyeglasses mounted mirror for the past 33+ years.
First one was a homemade one that mounted on my glasses made out of an old dental mirror and some wire!

Another thing I value as highly or even higher then brake pads. Eye protection.

Absolutely. Some people swear by rear-view mirrors that attached to their helmets or eyeglasses. I, on the other hand, prefer ones mounted to either the handlebars or frame.

Frame-based unit (the one I currently use): Bike-Eye (http://www.bike-eye.com/)

Handlebar-based unit: Blackburn Road Mirror (http://www.rei.com/product/736839)

My favorite is an eyeglass mounted Take-a-Look.

computer
bell
2 bottle cages and bottles
pump or inflator
under saddle wedge -
- spare tube
- tire irons
- if no pump, inflator and 2 cartridges
- multi-tool with chain breaker
- shop rag
- insurance card
- $5
and a big wicker basket decorated with flowers ;)

Hey TruF -- 2 weeks minus 4 days, and counting! :) I thought of you at work today and counted the remaining days on my calendar until you get your bike. I was wondering when you were going to come back and be a pain with all your questions. ;) Keep 'em coming, others learn from them too.

You'll appreciate a bike computer to keep track of the many miles you'll be riding. I have the Cateye Enduro 8 (wired) on my hybrid and I record the mileage and times after each ride. It's been flawless. I'll get a new one for the very-soon-to-be bike.

You can attach a mirror to your sunglasses or visor. A favorite of many here is the Take-A-Look (http://www.rei.com/product/752285). Hubby has really liked his and I finally bought one for myself this week. I've seen roadies wearing them.... granted, they are usually older roadies, but I think the older we get the more necessary they become for those of us with stiff necks. I really wished I had one on the big hill at the end of the memorial ride last Saturday, so I could look back and see how many riders I had dropped. :)

Hey...

If you want to have some fun with the under seat wedge bag, check these out. :p

http://www.kriegcycling.com/bags.aspx

Kickstand, bell, and a basket over the handlebar.

Essentials:
- pump
- water bottle and water bottle cage
- extra tube + 1 patch kit
- multi-tool
- a little bag to carry the above)

I carry the above, as well as 2 bottle cages on each bike. Frame pump on the Dolce, pocket-pump that converts to a CO2 pump for the Orca. I've used the spare tubes but never the patch kit. It's there for emergencies.

In my jersey pockets I carry a Soft Lips with sunscreen, a couple of Gu packets and/or dried fruit and/or a Clif Bar, depending on the length and intensity of my ride. Cell phone in a baggy in another pocket. Pump in the center pocket. Tyvek wallet with business cards, some cash, copy of my racing license, copy of my driver's license and health insurance card. I have a Road ID on a neckchain that I wear, too.

It sounds like a lot, but weighs mere grams. :D

TruF,you might want to check out this seat bag from Arkel,the owner of my LBS was showing me his and it is sweet. Adjusts to various sizes and the inner bag is removeable to allow you to take it with you in to places. http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/seat_bag/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

If you carry a spare tube, an old knee sock will keep it from wearing out against the inside of the seat bag. The sock also doubles as a hand puppet for when you need to put the chain back on without getting dirty. Roadies hate getting dirty hands, it messes up all that nice bar tape.

)

I carry the above, as well as 2 bottle cages on each bike. Frame pump on the Dolce, pocket-pump that converts to a CO2 pump for the Orca. I've used the spare tubes but never the patch kit. It's there for emergencies.

In my jersey pockets I carry a Soft Lips with sunscreen, a couple of Gu packets and/or dried fruit and/or a Clif Bar, depending on the length and intensity of my ride. Cell phone in a baggy in another pocket. Pump in the center pocket. Tyvek wallet with business cards, some cash, copy of my racing license, copy of my driver's license and health insurance card. I have a Road ID on a neckchain that I wear, too.

It sounds like a lot, but weighs mere grams. :D

This is a pretty good list. I carry all of the above, or equivalents, except the Soft Lips. I substitute Shot Bloks for Gu packets, PowerBars for Clif Bars. The cell phone is good to carry and I use a Ziploc for mine. The ID and cash fit in my seat bag along with those mechanical items. I carry a spoke wrench now. I have only used the spoke wrench once on the road that I can remember, but that one time it allowed me to finish the ride (about 10 miles) instead of calling my wife to pick me up. It's actually a pair of wrenches for my current wheelset, but they are plastic and light. Even if you don't know how to use it, if you ride in a group, there may well be someone who knows. You might have a spoke wrench on your multi-tool. Back when I was a kid I used to carry some spare spkes (one that fit the front wheel and two for the two sides of the rear wheel) inside my handlebars. I don't do that any more. I carry three CO2 cartridges because I can't find a good place to mount my Topeak Road Morph on my frame. If you buy them at someplace like Walmart they are cheap in quantity (look in the hunting section). I like the idea of the Tyvek wallet - I am going to look for one.

-soma5

I like the idea of the Tyvek wallet - I am going to look for one.-soma5

We got ours at the Solvang century -- my original one is 2 years old now and was included in my schwag bag. I'm sure you'll be able to find one online. I really like mine.

A mini tube of sunblock, and a mini can of bug spray.
Film can full of quarters for soda machines.
Pair of collapsable/foldable magnifying glasses, for finding wire and glass in tires.

All the usual are being mentioned and I have a tube- multitool-2 x levers and a patch kit in the wedge. Each bike has its own wedge as the MTB's are different tubes. The tandem is somewhat different as this breaks things so a top bag on the seat post pannier for a LOT of real tools and extra cables, chains and Nuts and bolts etc.

I will say one word on the pump. These high pressure tyres take a lot of pumping so get one that can get to 100 psi at least- And not only get to it- you can use it to get to that pressure. I have just recently got a Topeak road morph and that will get up to pressure- even if it takes a long time with the short stroke it has. I have never "Trusted" CO2 as the sole pump up device- but several do and this will get you to pressure easier. So think about the pump and I can recommend the Topeak Road Morph.

We got ours at the Solvang century -- my original one is 2 years old now and was included in my schwag bag. I'm sure you'll be able to find one online. I really like mine.

Hey, I use a Solvang Century wallet too! :) It has multi-colored chains graphic on it and my wife gives me trouble about it 'cause she thinks it looks tacky, but whatever . . . I like it!

Rick / OCRR

As I confessed above, I like having different sized bags depending on the kind of ride I'm taking and what I want to haul.

Here's another handy stuff-hauling tool -- the Cage Rocket. You can't get much in it, but helps you haul more stuff than a wedge bag when you don't want to take a bigger bag. Also moves easily from bike to bike.

http://www.cagerocket.com/

It really depends on how far your planning to ride. My buddies made fun of me because I rode a hybrid with a kickstand, a seat post with a shock absorber in it, a handle bar bag with tools, tire repair stuff, cell phone, 1st aid kit, and even some emergency money. I also had 2 water bottles and cages, and I always have a mirror mounted to all of my bikes somwhere on the left side of the handle bar. I bought a road bike in Dec. and I've tried not to carry as much stuff, I took out the 1st aid kit and I tried going without a mirror but I felt naked without it, so I added one. While I was in FL. back in Jan. I went for a ride with the Daytona Bike Club (great people by the way) and alot of them had the blinking rear tail lights, I thought that was a good idea so I bought one and have it on my road bike. I will probably buy one for my other bikes eventurally. No bells or horns, I just yell.

As I confessed above, I like having different sized bags depending on the kind of ride I'm taking and what I want to haul.

If you get a big one you'll never have trouble thinking of things to stuff into it. Check out Elwoodab.

If you get a little one, it will limit your degree of temptation.

In addition to the many items already mentioned...a length of duct tape. I wrap a few feet around a piece of paint stir stick and put it in my wedgie with my multi tool, ID, money, phone and keys. The spare tube is in a baggie tucked up under my saddle and secured with a toe clip strap.

a basket over the handlebar.

Did someone say baskets?

http://hembrow.eu/bicycle.html

Hey, I use a Solvang Century wallet too! :) It has multi-colored chains graphic on it and my wife gives me trouble about it 'cause she thinks it looks tacky, but whatever . . . I like it!

Rick / OCRR

That's the same one we have!

I still use my original one from '06. Last year we each got one dirt-cheap. I have the jersey a nd skullcap that match. Can one get anymore OCP?

Will you be there in March? If so, look for us:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w76/cgallagh/Tandemfrompaper2.jpg

TruF, I'm glad you're asking all these questions for me. :) This is a very informative thread.

Have you chosen your shoes yet?

(Only 1 week + 2 days left!!!)

All this talk about big bags--- This is a road bike. The only thing they ever get is punctures so no need for a big bag. Unless it is to put the sarnies in as you will be out all day on the thing.

That's the same one we have!

I still use my original one from '06. Last year we each got one dirt-cheap. I have the jersey a nd skullcap that match. Can one get anymore OCP?

Will you be there in March? If so, look for us:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w76/cgallagh/Tandemfrompaper2.jpg

Why are you stationery whilst the bike and pilot are accelerating? Or are you about to bail out?

Great pic.

That's the same one we have!

I still use my original one from '06. Last year we each got one dirt-cheap. I have the jersey a nd skullcap that match. Can one get anymore OCP?


It is apparently not possible to get one "dirt cheap." I looked for Tyvek wallets and people want to charge me $20 for one. Yikes! I'll just get a Tyvek legal-size envelope and use it as a wallet while cycling.

-soma5

TruF,you might want to check out this seat bag from Arkel,the owner of my LBS was showing me his and it is sweet. Adjusts to various sizes and the inner bag is removeable to allow you to take it with you in to places. http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/seat_bag/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

Great idea! I like how it functions. Thanks, overthehillmedi!

Hey...

If you want to have some fun with the under seat wedge bag, check these out. :p

http://www.kriegcycling.com/bags.aspx

Hi conurejade. I like that pink fuzzy one! Didn't you post a pic of yours someplace? I recall seeing a fun looking wedge bag with an image of a parrot on it.

All this talk about big bags--- This is a road bike. The only thing they ever get is punctures so no need for a big bag. Unless it is to put the sarnies in as you will be out all day on the thing.

That was my point about bags.

Small bag = carry the essentials, go out and back.
Medium or bigger bag = all day journey; be ready for changing weather; carry a lock so you can get off the bike.

I bought my Carradice seat bag, by the way, after looking at the calendar of all the long rides I signed up to take this year...several are going to be in mountains w/big changes in elevation; several are likely to be held in the rain; and some will be all day. Having a big bag allows you to carry food and gear that allows you to keep riding in bad weather on a long day out..and a seat bag IMO works better on a road bike than handlebar bags.

Oops, I forgot that TruF is from California. They don't have "weather" there.

Oops, I forgot that TruF is from California. They don't have "weather" there.

Have to admit that we do not have a "Change" of weather here either. If you get up and it is raining- Then chances are it will be a wet ride all day. If it does dry up then it will be cold so you still keep the coat on. But I do have two top coats that wrap into their own pouch for carrying round the waist. A lightweight pertex and a Warmer Polaris jacket. And as for Food- Nothing wrong with a nice stop at a cafe for Breakfast or Lunch or Afternoon tea with Pie. Only need to carry a couple of gels with me then.--And a slice of cake-Or a sandwich- but that is what rear pockets are for.

Relatively speaking, we do have our own brand of weather here. We talk of it being "chilly -- by southern CA standards". Last weekend at the start of our 50-mile ride with the LAPD cycling team, I was wishing I had worn my full-finger gloves, as fingers felt quite chilly. Many riders were wearing shorts and t-shirts with leg and arm warmers which they removed later. Some also wore head bands that covered the tops of their ears.

Those are other things you might consider for next winter since many bike shops (both local and on-line) are offering good sales on these items now that spring is right around the corner. Late last year I bought a pair of Sugoi Latte pants from TeamEstrogen.com... not too tight, but not baggie either, and they keep my legs warm in the cold (er, the "cold"). A jacket with removable sleeves is also handy to wear if you ride in the morning, and if you're still riding hours later when it's warmer you can just remove the sleeves.

There is no end to the madness! :) I try to wait until I feel a need for the next item, then I start shopping for it.

I can recommend the Topeak Road Morph.

+1

It's a great pump that has no problem with high pressure tubes/tires (100+ psi). I particularly like the built-in pressure gauge.

Woops....left off one necessity off my list -- a cell phone. While having one doesn't relieve all my wife's angst when I go out for a long ride, it does give her some piece of mind. And yes, I've had to use it, twice.

TruF,

In your earlier note you mentioned "extras". Well, here's something I use when riding centuries in place of my under-seat bag. It allows me to carry extra clothes, tools, and "goodies" for the long haul.

Clamp-on rack (http://www.topeak.com/t8/products/racks/mtxbeamrack.php)
Matching bag (http://www.topeak.com/t8/products/bags/mtxtrunkbagex.php)

+1

It's a great pump that has no problem with high pressure tubes/tires (100+ psi). I particularly like the built-in pressure gauge.

Got a Road Morph on my hybrid. Looks like I'll be buying duplicates of some necessities... Not easy to remember to swap out the pump, and the computer is pretty much "installed." Wonder if there are any computers that can be easily moved from bike to bike?

Wonder if there are any computers that can be easily moved from bike to bike?

The tire circumference probably won't be exactly the same. Flight Deck computers (for one) have a feature that allows the head to "remember" two different wheel sizes but you have to remember to change it.

If, like the majority of folks, you only care about your speed and distance, the basic computers are so cheap that it makes sense to me to install a separate computer on each bike.

If, like the majority of folks, you only care about your speed and distance, the basic computers are so cheap that it makes sense to me to install a separate computer on each bike.

+1. I know you can buy additional mounting units (handlebar clamp, pickup units, wire) for Cateye computers, but it's a pain to remember to change the settings (Cateye makes it easy, letting you store wheel/tire circumference info for two different bikes) given how inexpensive they are.

Makes sense then to have an additional computer. The LBS will be happy. Thanks!

When I took test rides on road bikes, I felt really blind without a mirror. I have one on my hybrid. People put them on their road bikes, too?

Absolutely! I have two mounted on my Miyata and Raleigh and a third that I move between the Fuji and Paramount. My MTB has one mounted on the bar end.