Road Cycling - Newbies starting clothes

Okay my bike will be here in 2 hours - im wondering what general gear you'd say is sensible for a person who hasn't ridden a bike for 8 years (childhood) - I don't want to look like i'm on the Tour de France when im red in the face after 20 minutes downhill, nor do I want to wear a pair of jeans :)
So what did you guys buy for biking in the beggining before you strived for perfection?

While i'm here I may as well tag on a few Qs
Would you immediatley go out and buy a starters kit? if so what would this involve?
Would you get a backpack immediatley?

Just some general pointers in terms of what I need to get now I have my bike being delivered...

Thanks in advance

I would purchase at least a padded underwear. I used my regular gym shorts until I got comfortable. Now I can't have enough jerseys and padded shorts. I would also get at least one cycling jersey with no fancy designs.

Get a pair of padded bike shorts. YOu can wear a t-shirt, but I recommend a jersey. Get some sort of flat tire plan together.

My flat tire kit consist of a spare tube, mini-pump, patch kit, co2 system with cartridge, and tire levers.

Put all that in an Under the-seat-bag.

get cycling gloves and a helmet.

make sure you have a way to carry at least 1 bottle of water or sports drink

backpack isn't necessary -- tools and tube in pouch, water bottles and pump on frame, food in jersey.

My starting out kit was helmet, gloves, water bottle, bike shorts, extra tube, mini hand pump, tire lever

Okay so task list :) :
Travel with:-
Helmet, Gloves, water holder + bottle,
Shorts and padded underwear, extra tube, pump, tire leaver

Whats a jersey? (must have missed UK that word) like a pull-over/sweater? or like what I see cyclists wear in competitions?

At home:
Foot pump with pressure gauge, SACK OF RAGS! :), Oil? (what oil? eep, its hard being a newbie) keys for adjustment
errr

Anything else guys? Anything to seriously injure dogs eyes that snap at me when riding past? :)
Oh yeah and thanks alot so far exactly what I needed (as opposed to "buy $1000 of clothing")

A jersey is a shirt that keeps you dry and cool while riding by wicking away sweat. Heres a basic jersey: http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=17646&lsubcat_id=1609&lcat_id=7606&referpage=

BTW you don't have to wear padded underwear if you wear padded shorts.

I always ride with tire patches even if I have a spare tube.

As for oil I use White Lightning but I have heard lots of people recommending Finishline and Pedro's lube on this site.

As for dogs a squirt from your water bottle is usually enough to stop them. Try going to Advocacy and safety forum and search for "Dog" and you will find billions of threads on the subject.

Oil? (what oil? eep, its hard being a newbie) -Blower

I use two kinds of lube. A "wet" and "dry" lube for different weather conditions. I like Motorex myself, but honestly the brand differences aren't so important.

instead of a selection of keys, a good mini-tool will do. Also you'll need at least 3 tire leavers. Get the plastic ones so you don't accidentally pinch your tubes.

Also, unless you like developing boils, avoid wearing underwear with your cycling shorts.

Good luck.

Don't feel embarrassed about your clothing, unless you really feel the need to hide your stomach, which all that beer has so graciously gone too. :)

I am just starting out too. I have gone on a bit of a diet, and started off at 205#, now down to 190#, and still going.

I started off with a cheaper pair of padded plain black lycra shorts from Performance bike for $18. I also picked up a nice blue jersey off Ebay for $25, with a zipper and pockets. So far, that's all I have, but the collection will grow.

You may be puffing around for a little bit now, but you will really be moving on that set of wheels before you know it. So, don't hesitate to pick up some decent stuff if you know you will use it.

Also, one thing you don't want to skimp on, is a good helmet. Please don't get a Wally World cheapy. I had one, and it was very heavy and uncomfortable compared to the nicer ones at the LBS. They are lighter, thinner, more comfy, and absorb better impact. So, don't be afraid to spend $50 and up for a properly fit, good quality helmet. Why? Because it is quite possibly the most important thing you wear.

Patriot

i bought a pair of gloves, 3 tubes, tire levers, patch kit, allen wrench kit, and bike pump to begin with. followed this up with a pair of cheap bike shorts and 2x nike jerseys. one plain dri-fit jersey for $35, and last year's us postal's jersey for $49. also, 2 water bottle cages and 2 water bottles...if you go to various vendor fairs and events and such, you should be able to get 2 water bottles for free pretty easily.

helmet, i just got one on closeout for aroudn $20 from my local bike shop (Giro '02 model i believe) as my dog ate my last helmet which was $90 or $70 or something.

melloboy

Ask yourself are you gonna like this sport from your initial reaction. I would not go crazy with too expensive stuff. But,get a bike kit that make your comfortable...( Wicking material, so don't feel like you are wearing a hot, wet rag and don't want a chaped rear.)
If you are gonna give the sport a try, be sure you are taking care of all the initial pains all cyclists will eventually get over. You go cheap and are miserable you will not follow through.
You need a helmet, gloves, padded shorts, wicking shirt(jersey) sweat band, and if first training in cool weather a bike jacket..Fall sales are coming up you should be able to find these at decent prices.
As to shorts, jerseys...You will overcome all the aches and pains.
I would not get a super expensive bike kit..But, you might pshcye yourself up telling yourself , this looks pretty cool; I have a mission to keep.
My first bike clothes were the gear sold by the bike manufacturer at a discount price, reminding me I got the bike I had been dreaming of.

Okay my bike will be here in 2 hours - im wondering what general gear you'd say is sensible for a person who hasn't ridden a bike for 8 years (childhood) - I don't want to look like i'm on the Tour de France when im red in the face after 20 minutes downhill, nor do I want to wear a pair of jeans :)
So what did you guys buy for biking in the beggining before you strived for perfection?

While i'm here I may as well tag on a few Qs
Would you immediatley go out and buy a starters kit? if so what would this involve?
Would you get a backpack immediatley?

Just some general pointers in terms of what I need to get now I have my bike being delivered...

Thanks in advance

Hey Blower what bike did you finally decide to buy???

You can get some great clearance deals on clothing from the large mail order suppliers like Nashbar and Performance. But it is a hassle if you receive something and have to send it back. Not sure how much it would cost for shipping to the UK but it's not too unreasonable here in the states.

One thing no one has mentioned so far is to make sure you know some basic skills. You can find some on the website but oftentimes it's much easier and more effective to have someone show you. See if your LBS has some classes or if you're buying your bike from them, ask them to quickly go through a brief introduction to bicycle mechanics and maintenance. You should be able to do things like change a tyre, adjust your saddle, inspect the bike for damage and general upkeep.

Oh and... you might want to add a few other things to your list:

sunglasses for eye protection
sunscreen/sunblock is also a good idea depending on conditions
minitool such as the Topeak Alien
mini first-aid kit


Things I carry with me when roadbiking:

One or two (depending on length of ride) 24oz. water bottles
SKS Airgun (http://www.sks-germany.com/en/stage.php?mod=detail&cid=1&id=4&zg=1&seite=2&start=3) - CO2 inflation system with spare cartridge
http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2001-aegis-aro_svelte/PICT0021.jpg
http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2001-aegis-aro_svelte/PICT0018.jpg
Spare tube strapped under saddlepack
http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2001-aegis-aro_svelte/saddle.jpg
Spare spokes shoved into seatpost
http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/carrying_spokes/PICT0001.jpg
Topeak Micro Wedge (http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/bag_003.html) Saddlepack with

Park VP-1 (http://www.parktool.com/tools/VP_1.shtml) patchkit
http://www.parktool.com/images/cat_index/VP_1.jpg
Presta-Schrader valve adapter
Spare links including spare removable ConneX-Link (http://www.connexchain.com/) for my chain
http://www.ullmann.hr/WIPPERMANN/CONNEX_LINK_AUF.jpg
Small bottle of DuMonde Tech Lite
http://www.tri-specialties.com/images/xt_pics/dumonde.jpg
Topeak Alien minitool (http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/tool_004.html)
http://www.topeak.com/2004/images/images_products/tools/tool_004.jpg
Special Mavic spoke tools because I have non-standard spokes
http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/mavic-ksyrium-tools/PICT0004.jpg

In my bike jersey pockets

mini-wallet with ID, credit card, debit card and small amount of cash
FA-112 First-Aid Kit (http://www.lsikits.com/Product.asp?ProductID=41&CategoryID=114)
http://www.lsikits.com/Images/ProductImages/FA-112.gif
Kryptonite Gear Gripper (http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/PublicArticleDetails@public?artid=3081&atf=products_item&pgrp=20) lightweight retractable cord lock
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/articles/3081/994480_200.gif
Minolta DiMage X (http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/digital_camera/dimage/dimage-x/index.html) digital camera with spare battery
http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/digital_camera/dimage/archive/img/index_pict008.jpg
Speedplay Coffee Shop Caps (http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.merchandise&promoid=Coffee%20Shop%20Caps) cleat covers for my clipless pedal cleats on my shoes
http://www.speedplay.com/swagimages/caps.jpg
A couple of plastic Ziploc bags to seal things against rain
Small bottle of sunscreen (SPF48)
Contact case
Rewetting drops for eyes
Rx insert (in microfiber sleeve for wiping off lens) for sunglasses in case I need to ditch my contacts
Clear lenses for sunglasses in case lighting conditions change
Arm warmers/leg warmers or lightweight Tyvek jacket (folded in on itself so it's very compact) depending on weather conditions
small mobile phone (Nokia 8260)
A couple of energy bars
compact map (if I don't know the area well) or route-map (organised ride)



Curiously enough, even with all this stuff crammed into my pockets, I still have quite a bit of room for other small things. If I think I'll really be far away from civilisation or riding where water stops aren't plentiful then I'll drag along a CamelBak Lobo and reapportion everything appropriately. I've however been able to get away with 100-120 miles without one so far.

But on really long unsupported road rides (>100mi) and on all mountain bike rides, I'll use a CamelBak MULE which will contain the following additions to the above list:

100 oz. hydration bladder
Topeak minipump (with patchkit in handle)
additional spare tubes
two spare 9V batteries for my shocks (K2 SmartShocks - MTB only)
mini-tripod for digital camera
replacement/spare derailleur hanger
spare seatpost clamp
a couple of zip-ties
small roll of electrical tape
small roll of toilet paper in plastic ziploc bag


And of course if I think I'll be riding into the night, I'll have the lights and blinkers along too.

My stomach is quite flat THANKYOU :) hehe

I can handle the exercise and it isnt painful as such (I think lifting has helped my muscles stretch + shrink easily and allowed them to get enegry quickly)
The only hangup I have against cycle shorts and a riding jersey is.... I don't know how to explain it - okay, they look OTT - they look like the school mom in a 8 litre 4x4 taking her baby to nursery (only because i consider my cycling to be a *lesser* form than sports cycling), perhaps a hoodie and a pair of padded shorts would do it (Manchester England winter isn't that nice! :)) I have breathable t-shirts (soccer shirt) too.

- I dont mean to look down on the way you guys look/dress/equip but you guys are talking about massive routes and endurance style challenges - im talking about 70% heart rate for 2 hours - not exactly devastating :)

HOWEVER! i'll totally bow to your experiance, its obviously there for a reason and I understand that I would perhaps be more comfortable and not drowning in sweat, perhaps im a little vain *checks hair in mirror again* :) ... I do however intend to try my afore mentioned hoodie/padded shorts combo.

Thanks for your extensive replys everyone - I havent read them thouroughly as im on my way out but ill be checking every piece of advice tommorow morning and hopefully have a few questions (its 8pm nearly here)

Oh ps - ive now quit biking because of khuon's list of equiptment hehe :) I think it will be a while until I need that sort of setup - I understand why some people need it though...

PPS royal flash - Carrera Vulcan Link Here (http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=19241&type=0&cat=91) - Its light and has good reviews AND a friend says its decent - I paid £200 though not £250 as my uncle works there...

Khuon is preparing for armageddon on a bicycle. And he has the camera to capture it all for future memories:)

I was in your position back in March. New bike, hadn't ridden in 10 years, never ridden seriously. I started riding wearing my gym shorts... But quickly wanted something with padding. I picked up some mountain bike style loose bike shorts, that have pockets and the padding needed. Worth every penny, and didn't make me look like a Tour De France rider.

As my weight continued to drop off, I bought a proper bike jersey. Once again I was amazed at how much cooler (temperature wise) I felt during a ride.

The funny costumes people wear aren't just a fashion statement, they really are functional. Get some bike shorts, you won't regret it. It it's hot/humid, go for the Jersey too... If not, that can wait.

--nw

blower, get the shorts, and, for now, go with what you've got. as you ride more you'll get the jersey (for the pockets; your soccer shirts don't have these unless you use a camelbak), black electrical tape, tire patch kit and pump, reflector lights, and camelbak, as you go. 'cause if you don't, you'll learn one day that you shoulda.

sd

Khuon is preparing for armageddon on a bicycle. And he has the camera to capture it all for future memories:)

:roflmao:

Incorrect "newbie" impulse is to wear casual shorts and unconventional attire. The thinking is you don't want the padded shorts and jersey, cause you are too self conscious to be seen in stretchy lycra, or you may feel like you are "posing" your first few miles on the bike, or you want to fit in more with "mainstream" car drivers than roadies.

It's a bad assumption that I made when I started riding less than 6 months ago. I learned to love padded shorts (soon got rid of gym shorts on the outside) because they are smooth, more comfy, cooler, and out of the way. The jersey feels so much better, because it hugs you closely, no flopping in the wind. The reason to wear this stuff is for its function, not flamboyancy. You can easily find conservative jersey colors, and will get accustomed to the idea of showing your arse in lycra.

I learned to love padded shorts...
Padded shorts aren't for everyone. I can't stand 'em, whether some sort of foam, gel, or whatever. All I want is a non-chaffing chamois bib.

So, if you (whomever you are) aren't liking you're heavily padded shorts, consider less padding.

I use to wear expensive bike clothing and still have a few in the closet, but after 30+ years of riding I'm actually going cheaper not more expensive! Why? because now Walmart carries a very good line of athletic jersey's called DryStar that are made of 100% polyester and have quick dry features and only cost $9 to $12 depending on model. I bought one to test it out against my $70 jersey (got on sale for $45) and could not tell the difference! So this last week I bought a long sleeve one to prepare for the cooler days coming. They also sell 100% polyester pants, but they are not tight fitting which I don't care about anyway. Only problem with their shorts and pants is that they do not have padding; this is ok for me as well, as long as I don't wear them on rides over 25 miles.

"cause you are too self conscious to be seen in stretchy lycra, or you may feel like you are "posing" your first few miles on the bike"

got it in one

I dont udnerestimate the importance of this clothing in any serious riding - im just sort of... looking at my route - its not going to cause probs - I will buy the padded shorts quite soon I dont mind the shorts - especially the slack ones (not too slack but not shiny ass shorts) its the top half ones :) BUT don't get me wrong I will end up having one, but when im able to push myself to more serious levels - for now i need to get some more cash for all this stuff.

Blower..You search this forum, you will see lots of entries of new cyclists trying to adjust to aches and pains one feels when taking up cycling...
The training to ride long and fast need be at the right pace. ONe can hurt oneself, by overtraining...If one does not find the way to get comfortable as fast as possible, some give up before they are broken in. Seek advice about your training and getting used to parts of the anatomy that soon might be sore.
As you adjust the pain will become something you will not notice. Cycling gear can minimize this breaking in process....As to modesty and thinking you are a poser, since your newbie status thinks you should not look like a cyclist..
I would not worry about that..
.Long time ago a family saying was told to me...DOn't bother worrying about what others think you look like, They are too busy worrying about theirselves...

Check out Zoic brand clothes for normal looking biking apparell. Other companys also make functional clothes that look ok off the bike.

I have one pair of Zoic shorts..Baggies..Had errands to do on a 35 mile ride the other day..In enough stores, thought I would give the Zoic a try..Previous entry encouraged me to do such...
Easier than putting on soccer shorts each time. So I thought.
Well...The waist band on those shorts..It rubbed my sides raw.
I felt the chamois pretty lame. Would not want to wear it for rides any futher, than the 35 miles. Just felt far less effective at fighting off pain than real shorts. At least for long distance riders.

Soccer shirt is comfortable and you can wear a fanny pack to carry money and candy etc. I would advise putting bar ends on the handle bars to give some variation in hand and body position. I have mine set low so I can stretch out for riding against head winds. If most of your riding is on roads I would also get narrower slick tires, but that can wait till your current ones are starting to wear.

The take it easy approach is a good one. Though I really have to endorse the use of bike shorts. Helmet goes without saying, if you're sharing the road with cars anyway. Lastly, gloves are not a luxury item. Not quite mandatory, but they make a big difference. My dad was commenting to me the other day, "I thought you were a little soft, wearing those bike gloves when you came back from france [3 weeks in Loire valley, 20 yrs ago], now I wouldn't ride without them." Amazing what you realize once you get into the sport.

On the repair kit, if you feel lucky its not necessary. A good minimum is a spare tube & tire levers. 'Course, if you don't know how to use them, they don't do much good. Another option is to ride without, but carry money / a phone so you can get home. Then you'll understand why its a good idea to carry them & have a learning opportunity. Kindof like how I started carrying a chain tool after a buddy broke his about 3 miles from the car (mtn biking).

Learn by doing.

I have a pair mountain biking shorts which not only have padding, but spandex on the inside as well. They're a bit baggy, but the advantage is that you can walk about in them without looking like you're taking yourself too seriously. They've also got a lot of pockets and such which don't get in the way when riding.

Performance Elite bike shorts, not a fashion statement. Ordered my second pair today. No riding with out them for me. About $36 USD. Don't wait until you have problems, get them.

Bike jerseys are a fashion argument. They are needed to pick riders out of a crowd.

Patagonia capilene shirts, many differant weights. Windblocking. They do not wick water. They are plastic, made from recyled soda bottles. They will get wet, they do not absorb moisture. The moisture will bubble away from your skin, upon the shirt.

You will want to stay cool, not warm.

http://www.patagonia.com/

Would you immediatley go out and buy a starters kit? if so what would this involve?
Would you get a backpack immediatley?

Really, all of the suggestions have been dead-on...depending on how new you really are, I would consider this a consolidated baseline that you can add to over time with some cheap alternatives until you figure out what you really need;

frame pump, levers, patches (assuming you know how to use them, if not, practice)
water bottle
multi-tool, if you get to the point where you're comfortable making mid-ride adjustments (or at least an allen head and a mini screwdriver)
small folded up paper towel or towlette pkg in case you have to get grease off your fingers from dropping a chain - terrible when grease gets all over your tape job...
cell phone, change or calling card in case you have to have someone come and get you
glasses or clear sport shields, depending on how "buggy" it is where you ride - nothing worse than taking a bug in the eye and crashing into the back of a parked car...anyone else ever done that?
cheap LED red flasher or flasher/headlight combo if you ride dusk/evening/early morning in traffic, as you can never be too visible
a few band-aids and/or adhesive gauze pad
an old driver's license or other I.D. in case (knock on wood) you can't tell anyone who you are...if there is a difference in quality of local hospitals, you might also include your insurance info, Dr., and preference of hospital...
maybe some real money, in case you can't resist stopping for a cold one...


Get an underseat bag that will fit this stuff without a ton of extra room, as you don't want it to be swinging and banging around. Try to put the soft stuff, like the folded paper towel at the seatpost-facing end of the bag because the banging of any hard items/tools against your seatpost will eventually wear a hold in the bag. A fanny pack can work, but don't wear a backpack unless you just like to or have to - I don't find riding with them very comfortable (I do because I bike commute when circumstances permit) - you oughta be able to stuff anything else you need into the pockets of your jersey (if you get one).

Spin your tires around and see if anything is stuck in them after each ride - bummer going out to ride the next time and finding your tire(s) flat...

Oil is a different issue, and you should read some other threads on oil vs. wax...personally have used wax-based lube for years because I never liked cleaning the drivetrain. Short-term, it's probably oil-based lubed, so you can use Tri-Flow, WD40, whatever you have around - until it gets gucky enough that you have to find a longer-term solution. However, if you are planning on doing enough riding, the squeaks and creaks will get to you and you'll figure out how to do this - regardless of method.

This, in addition to your shorts, jersey, gloves, helmet and you should be set.

Cheers and have a great ride!

You forgot the handlebar-mounted Casio Mini TV for Sunday rides during the NFL season! A five piece fly rod would be nice for that mountain lake that looks to good to pass up.

: )

Let's be serious here. Bike shorts do look just plain stupid. Every non-cyclist thinks so, and I'll wager a lot of cyclists think so too.

Unfortunately they happen to work really well for riding a bike. They don't bind or chafe, and they have that wonderdous padding for your butt. Nothing better. You can certainly do shorter rides in any clothes you want, but you are cheating yourself if you pass on the bike shorts for long rides.

Let's be serious here. Bike shorts do look just plain stupid. Every non-cyclist thinks so, and I'll wager a lot of cyclists think so too.

Unfortunately they happen to work really well for riding a bike. They don't bind or chafe, and they have that wonderdous padding for your butt. Nothing better. You can certainly do shorter rides in any clothes you want, but you are cheating yourself if you pass on the bike shorts for long rides.

Rarely I do get to reuse the same link in the same day for two different threads...

Just remember... Everybody's Free to Wear Lycra (http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/000223.html).

As I said, I tried my Zoic's, I have had for my hybrid..Never have I felt such irritation, since I first took up riding. That is why they sit in the drawer.
If it makes me comfortable for long, long rides; I don't give a damn what others think..Why do we berate lycra for cyclists..Look towards the recent Olympics..Why one wears lycra for running; I do not understand that. Think traditional running shorts would air out stuff faster..But , I guess it is the concept of lycra supporting muscles as they contract. Now, lycra for runners or soccer players; why not use traditional shorts over lycra.Think we pay too much attention to what others think..
All kinds of sports uses lycra..Football. Is that lycra.. At least in cycling lycra, we can't see the athletic supporter for the heavier players.
As to some team kit, I think the riders look pretty decked out. Anyone see the patterns on some of the new Sugoi stuff...Colorful.