New Commuter, New Bike, No Accessories
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New Commuter, New Bike, No Accessories
Hi all,
I have just purchased a Trek 7.5 FX and it will be here Tuesday! I'm going to use it for exercise and leisure but I also plan on doing some city commuting on it this summer. I don't have ANY accessories (locks, racks, lights, bags, NOTHING!) and was lookin for recommendations (brands, prices, websites, etc.) I don't even know what all I need to be considering, so any and all suggestions are very appreciated!
Thanks again,
Adam
I have just purchased a Trek 7.5 FX and it will be here Tuesday! I'm going to use it for exercise and leisure but I also plan on doing some city commuting on it this summer. I don't have ANY accessories (locks, racks, lights, bags, NOTHING!) and was lookin for recommendations (brands, prices, websites, etc.) I don't even know what all I need to be considering, so any and all suggestions are very appreciated!
Thanks again,
Adam
#2
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First thing you will need is a lock. Being a brand new bike, I would invest in a Good U lock (plan on spending +$50). Do a search on U locks in the forums and a lot of threads should pop up. One of the best is the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit. Everything else you should be able to accumulate gradually, unless your planning on riding at night right away. Bear minimum for getting started at night is a front and rear blinky. Will need good lights if you plan on doing it frequently.
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I am a big fan of the Topek quick track racks. You can use a number of Trunks & baskets with them along with either integrated Pannier's to the trunk bags or go with a super tourister rack and use separate panniers and leave the rack open for any number of combinations
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Water Bottle holders - Blackburn stainless Steel. About 15 bux apiece, neutral matte steel finish, very slender.
Pump - RoadMorph by Topeak. Topeak seems to have a lot of clever products and very well made ones.
Light - Magicshine. Rear light - whatever. Just steer clear of Serfas products in this area - I have a small mountain of dead lights.
Good Luck and Have fun
SF
Pump - RoadMorph by Topeak. Topeak seems to have a lot of clever products and very well made ones.
Light - Magicshine. Rear light - whatever. Just steer clear of Serfas products in this area - I have a small mountain of dead lights.
Good Luck and Have fun
SF
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Lights. Ulock if you cant park it indoors at work.
Blinkies if you dont need actual illumination, just to be seen, even during dusk. Flashlight solution for illumination is cheap, actual bike lights are more expensive, and I find after using both, a better illumination pattern. I think either are fine.
Blinkies if you dont need actual illumination, just to be seen, even during dusk. Flashlight solution for illumination is cheap, actual bike lights are more expensive, and I find after using both, a better illumination pattern. I think either are fine.
#7
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I just built up a new commuter, so my list of necessities is fresh on my mind: rack, fenders, panniers, lock, water bottle holders, lights (front and back), computer, bell and mirrors. Plus you may discover a few things on the bike itself that you want to change out after you ride a few days. In my case I had to ditch the stock pedals and seat.
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#8
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On top of what has previously been posted, you will need a wedge bag with a spare tube, patch kit, levers, a small first aid set up and a multi-tool set.
#9
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A good glove is a must (assuming you don't have any yet), and maybe even some Two Fish mount for things like cable, lock or whatever.
Two of the less common accessories that folks don't carry but I find them useful is a tweezer and a nailclipper. Several times I had goathead lodged in my tires that are just enough to puncture the tube but yet I cannot pick out the thorn because they are embedded in the rubber. The tweezer save those days when I have these flat. As for the nailclipper, they come in handy for grabbing steel slivers when the tweezer cannot get a good grip, and off course you can use it for cutting a broken or split nail you may get while changing tube or after a fall from your bike.
Two of the less common accessories that folks don't carry but I find them useful is a tweezer and a nailclipper. Several times I had goathead lodged in my tires that are just enough to puncture the tube but yet I cannot pick out the thorn because they are embedded in the rubber. The tweezer save those days when I have these flat. As for the nailclipper, they come in handy for grabbing steel slivers when the tweezer cannot get a good grip, and off course you can use it for cutting a broken or split nail you may get while changing tube or after a fall from your bike.
Last edited by colleen c; 04-04-10 at 09:29 PM.
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SKS fenders. I use a Schwinn trunk bag for commuting and day recreation rides at the week end. Dont get larger bags than you need or you will find yourself carrying a load of stuff you never use, just in ase. Sparer tubes, tire levers, patch kit and pump. Take-a-Look glasses mount rear view mirror.
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Depending on the length of your commute, you may be able to dispense with certain "necessities". I have fenders, a chain guard, a rear rack, a pannier, lights and a lock. But I don't carry a pump, tube or tire change kit or water bottles since I am only riding a few miles each way in the city. If I get a flat, I can walk and/or get on the bus. And I would like to add, that, knock on wood, I haven't had a flat since I have been running schwalbe marathons. The lights and lock are a bare minimum. After that, in order of importance for me are my chainguard and fenders then my rack + pannier. I wear gloves only sometimes, mainly when it is a little cold and/or raining. My cork grips are plenty comfortable. That brings up a good thought about things to change for comfort that are not the usual stuff you would think about. Handlebars with a more comfortable position a la north roads or albatross (as opposed to the straight bars that will come on your new bike) can make all the difference in the world...as can a comfortable saddle. I love my Brooks saddle.
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First make sure you are comfortable on the bike. That means the three contact points might need to take precedent: Hands, Butt, Feet. Gloves or new grips for the hands (I like the ergon grips). For your butt you might want to wait and see how the new saddle treats you. Make small adjustments here and there first before deciding on a new one (I'm a Brooks fan myself). You may want clipless pedals with good shoes or just go for platform (MKS I think are supposed to be very nice, but I have Wellgo's on mine).
Accessories you will probably go on an as needed basis. I think Lock (I have the Bulldog Mini 7), then rear light (PB Superflash), and maybe a reflective vest would get you started. After that a Rack if you plan on carrying items (I like the Axiom, but I hear good things about the Topeak rack/trunk system). Good fenders for all weather riding (I have the PB Cascadias). For front lights you have two categories: To be seen lights, or to see lights. I commute at night and for a short commute the P7's work well.
Make sure you are comfortable first. Then get the accessories as you need them. I've been accumulating things for 2-3 years so don't think you need to go spend all at once to get what someone suggests. Its your commute (or recreation). You'll learn soon enough. I would also suggest basic bicycle maintenance because you will need to learn it sooner or later.
Accessories you will probably go on an as needed basis. I think Lock (I have the Bulldog Mini 7), then rear light (PB Superflash), and maybe a reflective vest would get you started. After that a Rack if you plan on carrying items (I like the Axiom, but I hear good things about the Topeak rack/trunk system). Good fenders for all weather riding (I have the PB Cascadias). For front lights you have two categories: To be seen lights, or to see lights. I commute at night and for a short commute the P7's work well.
Make sure you are comfortable first. Then get the accessories as you need them. I've been accumulating things for 2-3 years so don't think you need to go spend all at once to get what someone suggests. Its your commute (or recreation). You'll learn soon enough. I would also suggest basic bicycle maintenance because you will need to learn it sooner or later.
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I don't ride anything without a rack and rack trunk with stuff to fix a flat. a lock isn't nec if you can bring the bike into work.
#14
Cycle Year Round
Buy them at the time you pick up your bike and ask for a 20% discount on the accessories.
Note - it would have been better asking for the discount before or as you ordered the bike, but it is likely not too late.
Note - it would have been better asking for the discount before or as you ordered the bike, but it is likely not too late.
#15
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What about swapping out the pedals? I think that's one of the first replacement items i would look into. Any thoughts?
#16
Cycle Year Round
They will swap them but charge for the difference in cost. The peddles on your bike are around $20 retail. Just ask them to give you $20 off the cost of the peddles that you want.
PS - I have even done a sraight swap on $20 peddles for $20-25 cork-gel bar tape.
PS - I have even done a sraight swap on $20 peddles for $20-25 cork-gel bar tape.
#17
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IMO, your safety comes before all else. Beyond that you can pick up what you need as time goes by and you figure out what exactly your needs are. But if you are not highly visible, none of the rest will matter after you are run over. So at minimum, flashing red light in back, flashing white light up front.
And then, as others have pointed out, you might want to lock your bike too.
And then, as others have pointed out, you might want to lock your bike too.
#19
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Things you need immediately:
Helmet (basically any bicycle helmet will work as long as it fits)
Lock (U-lock if you're locking your bike up in anything resembling a high-theft area; a cable lock might be sufficient in low-risk areas)
Things you'll need relatively soon:
Spare inner tube, a tube patch kit, tire levers, mini-pump
If your tires aren't puncture resistant, Mister Tuffy tire liners might be a good idea
A bag of some kind to carry the above
A larger stand-up pump for home
If you're going to be riding at night, at all, a headlight and rear blinking light
If you have substantial stuff to carry but don't want to wear a backpack, a rear rack and appropriate bag(s)
Things you may want at some point:
A portable bicycle tool kit
Fenders (highly recommended)
One or more sweat-wicking shirts (need not be cycling specific; Under Armor has some reasonably priced athletic t-shirts and polos)
Rain gear
Cycling gloves
Cycling shorts (spandex, baggy cargo-styles mountain biking shorts, or apparently cycling underwear)
Cycling computer
Helmet (basically any bicycle helmet will work as long as it fits)
Lock (U-lock if you're locking your bike up in anything resembling a high-theft area; a cable lock might be sufficient in low-risk areas)
Things you'll need relatively soon:
Spare inner tube, a tube patch kit, tire levers, mini-pump
If your tires aren't puncture resistant, Mister Tuffy tire liners might be a good idea
A bag of some kind to carry the above
A larger stand-up pump for home
If you're going to be riding at night, at all, a headlight and rear blinking light
If you have substantial stuff to carry but don't want to wear a backpack, a rear rack and appropriate bag(s)
Things you may want at some point:
A portable bicycle tool kit
Fenders (highly recommended)
One or more sweat-wicking shirts (need not be cycling specific; Under Armor has some reasonably priced athletic t-shirts and polos)
Rain gear
Cycling gloves
Cycling shorts (spandex, baggy cargo-styles mountain biking shorts, or apparently cycling underwear)
Cycling computer
#20
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So here's what i'm thinking...
Let me know if additions should be made or if there's something better out there please!
-Helmet (Pick one out at the store)
-Kryponite U Lock
-Cateye Strada Wireless Computer
-Planet Bike Superflash Taillight
-Bontrager Rack
-Bontrager Wedge Bag
-Bontrager Bottle Cage
-Park Multi Tool
-Spare Tube
-Patch Kit
-Co2 Inflator
Thanks so much!
Adam
-Helmet (Pick one out at the store)
-Kryponite U Lock
-Cateye Strada Wireless Computer
-Planet Bike Superflash Taillight
-Bontrager Rack
-Bontrager Wedge Bag
-Bontrager Bottle Cage
-Park Multi Tool
-Spare Tube
-Patch Kit
-Co2 Inflator
Thanks so much!
Adam
#21
Steel is real, baby!
+2 on Topeak racks & bags.
Lock, lights, fenders (if you get rain), helmet, etc... what everyone else says.
Lock, lights, fenders (if you get rain), helmet, etc... what everyone else says.
#22
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So Bontrager rack is out and Topeak is in. Took a look at their website and all their stuff looked solid.
Any certain helmet brand everyone likes? And what kind of helmet do you like? ...or does it even matter?
Thanks!
Any certain helmet brand everyone likes? And what kind of helmet do you like? ...or does it even matter?
Thanks!
#23
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Basically any appropriately certified bicycle helmet is fine. As you go more expensive mostly all you get is lighter weight, better ventilation, and sometimes better fit.
I happen to like this rack. The two rail system lets you run both a set of panniers and a rack-top bag at the same time without one interfering with the other. Plus, it's manufactured by Tubus who are known to make excellent racks.
You may want to add a regular portable bike pump to your list. CO2 inflation cartridges can get expensive.
I happen to like this rack. The two rail system lets you run both a set of panniers and a rack-top bag at the same time without one interfering with the other. Plus, it's manufactured by Tubus who are known to make excellent racks.
You may want to add a regular portable bike pump to your list. CO2 inflation cartridges can get expensive.
#24
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I would sooner ride without my helmet than I would without my Take a look mirror.
#25
Cycle Year Round
+1 to adding a mirror to the list.
Helmets from different manufacturers fit differently (different sizing and inside head shapes). So what is a good helmet for one person is a bad helmet for another person. Get the best fitting helmet first, then decide more or less vents, weight, price.
Helmets from different manufacturers fit differently (different sizing and inside head shapes). So what is a good helmet for one person is a bad helmet for another person. Get the best fitting helmet first, then decide more or less vents, weight, price.