JKoby123

Hey all!

So, I pulled the trigger on a 16 CrossRip LTD. I'm picking it up this week! However, I now have a new dilemma! I don't know what else to buy! I obviously need a helmet, and blendr stem attachment for my phone. I also plan to buy the DuoTrap.

My question is: what should I get? What should I stay away from? Backpack? Gloves? Etc.
Will be commuting, and riding for fitness/pleasure.

General hybrid stuff! Input appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Motolegs

I have tons of bike stuff and am still asking myself that same question. Just ride is my advice, your needs will become clear in time.

AlmostTrick

I'm a pretty frugal person, but even I occasionally end up buying stuff I don't need or use... just because it seemed like a good idea (or deal) at the time. I like Motolegs thoughts of just riding and see.

SouthFLpix

A kit that allows you to fix a flat would be nice to have. If you can't bring your bike indoors all the time, a good lock should also be right up there on your list.

10 Wheels

Think about Bright Lights and 36 spoke wheels.

bmthom.gis

If it will spend anytime outdoors, then a lock. Tire levers and a patch kit with a small pump and/or CO2. The rest you will figure out what you really need as you ride.

scroca

Sadly, you already need another bike. You know, n+1.

Bikerdave222

You need a full size bike pump and GOOD ulock (Kryptonite, Abus ect) and cable. You will have to air up your tires almost everyday so that would be a good investment. The portable ones that attach to your bike will not do for everyday use. Those are for emergencies. Over time you may decide to change out other things about your bike like the tires or seat but those are personal preferences.
Also, you will need to learn how to lock your bike up. Its not intuitive. There are many resources on line as to how.

TroN0074

Consider the following:

1) Fenders
2) cargo rack
3) Lights, something over 200 Lumens for the front and something bright for the back (Just consider a hub generator and Busch & Muller lights)
4) A bag or two to carry stuff with you (Like panniers)
5) Tool Kit to carry with you
6) Spare tube (2)
7) small first aid kit (Just in case, never know)
8) Emergency flash light (a small one)
9) rain gear
10) a pump
11) Helmet
12) a bell
13) Bungee cords (two or more)
14) Cycle computer to give you the time and the speed you are traveling
15) Ulock+Armor cable combo
16) Water bottle holder

The list can continue. Not everything has to be acquired at the same time.

Papa Tom

jkoby: Just keep in mind that there are lots of different types of riders here and lots of different ideas about what you "need" to ride a bike. Just because you see a long shopping list doesn't mean you need to run out and buy all those items today. First find out if you enjoy bike commuting and decide whether you plan to stick with it. Then, as others have said, the items you need will become apparent as you ride.

no motor?

This is my best advice advice too after mentioning lights, a mirror and some bright riding clothes. A good local bike shop (LBS) or the interwebs can help you with the spending to after you get lots of conflicting advice here.

no motor?

don't tell them that yet, you'll scare them away before that first Nashbar order!

NewPollution

Lights, and a lock, youll figure the rest out soon enough.

And dont forget to have fun.

T

PennyTheDog

I agree: lights and a lock.

Besides that, I'd recommend having the shop put a rear rack on the bike while it's there. With some bungee cords or nylon straps that'll come in handy very often.

SJX426 

You will discover what you need or the approach you want to take. I thought a backpack would work for me but I don't like the weight on my back or the sweat. I shopped on CL to find the rack and bag. Fenders were on sale. For a long time, I used a standard LED flashlight for night light. Many of them have a flashing mode. The rear is a Bike Planet, what ever their brightest light is. Oh and I like using a wired computer. The GPS units with the exception of Garmin, are poor trackers of Sats in the city.

Clothing you will have to figure out on your own. There is lots of advise on that score. I found that bike bibs work best for me. Nice padding and no cutting into the waste from the waste band. I use clipless too. Many like to hop on and off. I get on a bike to ride.

CrankyOne

I'm not a fan of stuff. Especially unnecessary stuff that just adds complications and costs money. No helmet, no iPhone or computer on my stem (iPhone is in my bag however), no special shoes, gloves, jersey, lycra shorts, or anything else. I bought a Dutch bike that comes standard with fenders, fully enclosed chain, heavy duty rear rack, dynamo lights, ring lock, and bell.

Just me, whatever clothes I happen to have on, my bike, and a smile.

Darth Lefty 

Judging by how many people are asking about these bikes, Trek must be selling a ton of them.

ThermionicScott 

VTSMX and VBMFX.

jade408

I am also on #teamdutchbike . I do not have "special clothes." But I do like to have gloves if I am biking when it is chilly. My hands get cold. Get those cheap ones from Target/Walmart/Whatever that are stretchy cotton/nylon blends. They are usually $2-4, and you won't be sad if you lose them or they tear. They seem to last quite a while for me!

I also second the lights and the locks.

And a rack is very handy. Or a basket. I have both. I use the basket all the time for my purse and any stuff I need to carry, it holds my purse and a small bag of groceries easily. The rack is for larger or heavier stuff. But it is nice to have more than just your pockets to carry stuff. I keep my lock, cables, cheap sunglasses and a cargo net in there permanently.

wphamilton

Unless you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, I seriously recommend: nothing at all. Not even lights, not this time of year.

Do a few commutes, decide what would help the most then start with that. Try carrying your stuff in a backpack for example. That's a default, the simplest way to go about it. For some people that's fine, and it doesn't bother them at all and they see no reason for anything else. If that's you then why spend the time and money looking for another solution? If you don't like it, then explore options.

Many people including me think it's essential to be able to fix a flat on the road. Or even other mechanicals. Yet there are a few, depending on their commute, tires, available alternatives and who they might call on a phone, have no need for that at all. It makes sense for them to just ride. As long as you have a plan B you don't necessarily need the flat repair kit, spare tubes etc. It's all like that. It just makes sense to me to evolve your own methods, and why buy stuff now that you may not want later?

Wittyname

A helmet, and lights if you're riding in the dark. Then just enjoy your ride

MichaelW

You discover how optional mitts/gloves are after sliding along the tarmac for a few yards.

wphamilton

Don't do that thing But if you think it's likely, or any other hypothetical, then by all means you should equip yourself accordingly.

wolfchild

Don't get any accessories. Just start riding and then you will figure out what you need....At the very least you should carry a pump, spare tubes and tire levers.

WarrenR

You should check out your local laws, mine are helmet, bell, rear reflector, and front light. I would switch the rear to a light, you never know when the weather will turn and you want to be visible from behind.