General Cycling Discussion - Need a little help with my on the go kit.

Still relatively new to biking, and i can finally get the things i don't have. Just need to know if the stuff im looking at is good, or a waste of time. :thumb:

I have a '13 Trek FX 7.2, only thing i have is a Bontrager A1, patches (no pump or CO2) and a lock set.

This is what im looking to get pending the advice i receive.

If there is anything on this list that i can get a better alternative thats....i'd say no more than 10 dollars more, i'll take it into consideration if its worth the upgrade...for the rest, if i can get something just as good for a cheaper price, PLEASE let me know:twitchy:

Uvex Urban Helmet 2012 Black, Large/X-Large, 58-63cm
$53.09
http://www.jensonusa.com/Uvex-Urban-Helmet-2012

Alloy Water Bottle Cage Red $3.99
http://www.jensonusa.com/Alloy-Water-Bottle-Cage


Topeak Morph Pump Silver, 160 Psi, Road, w/ Guage $31.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Topeak-Morph-Pump
vs
Topeak 2000 Road Morph Pump w/ Gage $24.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Topeak-2000-Road-Morph-Pump

^^ Which of these is the better of the two?


Planet Bike Rear Ecorack W/Hardware Black, Universal $24.99
http://www.jensonusa.com/Planet-Bike-Rear-Ecorack-WHardware

Innovations CO2 Replacement Cartridges 12 Gram, Non-Threaded, 3 Pack $5.49
http://www.jensonusa.com/Innovations-CO2-Replacement-Cartridges

Genuine Innovations Ultraflate Plus CO2 Ultraflate Plus Inflator W/16G $19.99
http://www.jensonusa.com/Genuine-Innovations-Ultraflate-Plus
^^ With this i'll be able to reuse a Co2 cartridge since it has a trigger right?, don't know how much a 16g will fill my tire, but if its some left over id like it to not be wasted :P

Adventure Medical Kits First Aid 1.0 First Aid For 1-2 People $12.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-First-Aid-10
^^:lol:yes, i am considering and want a first aid kit....because you never know.

Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle Carbon, 21Oz $12.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Camelbak-Podium-Chill-Water-Bottle

^ This seems very pricey for a bottle, but i don't want to drink from something thats not safe...i like that it keeps things cool longer than regular bottles.But that price....sheesh.


More questions, my tire was 700x35cc, i looked on a few sites and they all had 700x28-35cc or 700x31-44cc, there was another variation, but i don't remember what page it was on. Can i use either?Don't know how the tube sizing works, even after reading.

I also need a decent front light. I don't plan on riding in the dark, but id rather have it and not need it.

I looked on that site, they were either too expensive for me, or had bad reviews as far as build quality. thinking about using straps to mount a small flash light to my handle bar

I consider those bottles some of the best money I've spent (fill 2/3 up , lay in freezer at angle overnight , top off prior to your ride) will keep cold for hours in
the florida summer , I even purchased two of the 25 ozs.

Yeah im gonna go ahead and get it.

Does everything else look okay?

Is the helmet good enough?

I bought a Road Morph G for 28 since it seems to be the most recommended

Yeah im gonna go ahead and get it.

Does everything else look okay?

Is the helmet good enough?

I bought a Road Morph G for 28 since it seems to be the most recommended

I'd say you've got your bases covered, but what are you going to carry your gear in? I saw you are getting a rack, what are you using for bags?

Bought a saddle pack . And ive been using a regular backpack found at any Walgreens :D

Bought a saddle pack . And ive been using a regular backpack found at any Walgreens :D

Then I'd say it looks good. I personally am a fan of ebay when it comes to gear. If you are already looking online, why not look there as well. Some things (racks, bells, etc) don't need to be brand-name. I just bought a bell for $0.99 and free shipping. BPA-free bottles are pretty commonplace as well, take a look around before dropping $12 bucks per bottle (hydration packs can be BPA free, cost about $25 and carry at least 2x as much water)

Then I'd say it looks good. I personally am a fan of ebay when it comes to gear. If you are already looking online, why not look there as well. Some things (racks, bells, etc) don't need to be brand-name. I just bought a bell for $0.99 and free shipping. BPA-free bottles are pretty commonplace as well, take a look around before dropping $12 bucks per bottle (hydration packs can be BPA free, cost about $25 and carry at least 2x as much water)
This, I actually picked up a camelbak jersey a while back and love it. My main bike has two cages, so often I end up just using the hydration pocket as a backpack.

Thank, i'll look on ebay as well.

....More questions, my tire was 700x35cc, i looked on a few sites and they all had 700x28-35cc or 700x31-44cc, there was another variation, but i don't remember what page it was on. Can i use either?Don't know how the tube sizing works, even after reading.

...

Yours is a 700-35. Yes either of these is just fine. In tube sizing the first part the "700" is the diameter of the wheel. The second part is how wide the tire is. Both the ones given show a range 28-35 and 31-44. Your 35 is withing both those ranges.

You can get away with useing something a little outside the rance. a 27" tube will work (If the valve is the same, which it most likely will not be) and a 700x28 would be just fine. If the last number is bigger than yuor tire then if you can get the larger tube in itis fine and the issue is just extra weight. If smapper the tube is slightly over streached. More vunerable to flats.

BTW sometimes more expensive tubes are thinner and have to be more exact. A cheap tube often has the same quality rubber, just less quality control on the thickness. If not flatting is your concern cheap tubes are often better.

I did not see any tire irons or multi tools on your list. I strongly suggest changing out a tube at home. Better to find out now that you cannot do it on your bike without tire irons then to find out on a ride 5 miles from the nearest phone. Having a multitool and knowing how to use it can get you home from a lot of minor disasters.

Thanks, i'll see if i can find two tubes some place.

And for the multi, i have these
http://thumbnails71.imagebam.com/20203/cc8a8b202025671.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cc8a8b202025671)

They seem to fit in all the places on my bike, is there something else i need?
I've never took my tire off, i guess it would be a better idea to try it at home and realize id have trouble.

Thanks, i'll see if i can find two tubes some place.

And for the multi, i have these
http://thumbnails71.imagebam.com/20203/cc8a8b202025671.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cc8a8b202025671)

They seem to fit in all the places on my bike, is there something else i need?
I've never took my tire off, i guess it would be a better idea to try it at home and realize id have trouble.
Everything else just quick releases?

Thanks, i'll see if i can find two tubes some place.

And for the multi, i have these
http://thumbnails71.imagebam.com/20203/cc8a8b202025671.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cc8a8b202025671)

They seem to fit in all the places on my bike, is there something else i need?
I've never took my tire off, i guess it would be a better idea to try it at home and realize id have trouble.

If you plan on fixing a flat make sure you have spare tube, tire levers and a patch kit. I bring a swiss army knife too, I like the pliers and screwdrivers.

If you plan on fixing a flat make sure you have spare tube, tire levers and a patch kit. I bring a swiss army knife too, I like the pliers and screwdrivers.
What the heck do you find yourself needing the pliers for? (Most of my multi's have both flat and philips screwdrivers)

What the heck do you find yourself needing the pliers for? (Most of my multi's have both flat and philips screwdrivers)


My Fredly bike sometimes needs an adjustment. Also, the snippers. I don't have a multitool, just Swiss army knife and set of allen wrenches.

My Fredly bike sometimes needs an adjustment. Also, the snippers. I don't have a multitool, just Swiss army knife and set of allen wrenches.
Ahhh I carry a small adjustable wrench as my extra tool.. still haven't needed it.

Thanks, i'll see if i can find two tubes some place.

And for the multi, i have these
http://thumbnails71.imagebam.com/20203/cc8a8b202025671.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cc8a8b202025671)


They seem to fit in all the places on my bike, is there something else i need?
I've never took my tire off, i guess it would be a better idea to try it at home and realize id have trouble.

Most multi-tools are based on a chain breaker. That can be a key item. With that you can take your chain apart and put it back together.

Now imagine a pretty bad fall. Yuo og down and get all scraped up, but the worst thing is yuor real derallieur has been all but torn off. Your bike is a no go.

But with a chain breaker you can shorten the chain on and rig your bike a a single speed. Not a fun way to go 10 miles to the nearest phone or 15 miles home when yuo cannot call anyone to pick you up. But far better than walking.

Mine also has one piece that is one of the most often lost 'nuts' on a bike. Rare but it seems often enough. And a spoke wrench too.

Multi-tools pretty much provide all you might need for the bike except for tubes and tire levers.

Never looked at it that way.

I'll look around for a multi then.

Googled best multi tool and Crank Brothers came first.

Is this a good buy

http://www.aawyeah.com/crank-brothers-bicycle-multi-mini-tool-19-function/

I have the 17 version of that tool. It works fairly well, and even includes a set of spoke wrenches which work very well. That being said, the chain tool is a bit cumbersome, as you have to rotate the entire tool to operate it, and my pin snapped after a year (there is a reason most chain tool pins are replaceable, just not this one). Its ok for emergencies but I would get a standalone tool for home use too. Also, as far as multi-tools in general go, sometimes the Allen keys are not long enough or maneuverable enough to fit where you need them, so its good to have the 90-degree loose wrenches as backup, at least for the 4 5 6 sizes.Also,

What about this

Topeak Hexus II Multi-tool
Some what cheaper, and comes with spoke wrenches....which i seem to need.

What about this

Topeak Hexus II Multi-tool


Some what cheaper, and comes with spoke wrenches....which i seem to need.
I got my dad that same tool actually to cover virtually everything that can be thrown at him by his newer trek hybrid. The levers on the sides seem flimsy to me, but I threw a good set in a saddlebag for him.

I got my dad that same tool actually to cover virtually everything that can be thrown at him by his newer trek hybrid. The levers on the sides seem flimsy to me, but I threw a good set in a saddlebag for him.

Hmmm. i have these too

http://thumbnails43.imagebam.com/20219/dc6ffd202181533.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/dc6ffd202181533)

Hmmm. i have these too

http://thumbnails43.imagebam.com/20219/dc6ffd202181533.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/dc6ffd202181533)
I think you'll be just fine with the topeak then.

Cool thanks folks.

I did not see any tire irons or multi tools on your list. I strongly suggest changing out a tube at home. Better to find out now that you cannot do it on your bike without tire irons then to find out on a ride 5 miles from the nearest phone. Having a multitool and knowing how to use it can get you home from a lot of minor disasters.

So i took your advice.Since my bike bump came.........over night, don't ask me how! but that site is amazing. i will shop there again.

http://thumbnails52.imagebam.com/20233/496b43202328717.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/496b43202328717)



HOUR later
http://thumbnails76.imagebam.com/20233/3f4bcf202328723.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/3f4bcf202328723)


Managed to get it back :lol:

I thought i had a leak in my tire, so i took it off. I knew the back would give me the biggest challenge, so im glad it was the one thats low.

Took the tube out, and put a little air in it, put some water in the sink and checked for bubbles. I didnt see any. Pump showed 60PSI, i guess thats why it felt soft to me.Managed to get it back to 80 after getting a nice workout pumping over and over

------------------------

Another question.

The Road Morph G. How accurate is the PSI gauge ?

My Road Morph gauge is fairly close. You need a floorpump for the house. It's worth the money if you ride regularly.

In due time i'll get a floor pump:)