jschu

Hey all,

just got a new bike, now I'm in the spending phase where I burn what I didn't put into the bike on extra toys...I've got my computer and lights, but I need a helmet bottle and cage. I'd rather not spend a lot. Obviously for the helmet I don't want a five dollar piece of garbage from walmart that won't do a bit of good, but I don't need a $200 racing helmet...any advice for cheap but decent quality stuff?

supton

Local Bike Store/Shop (LBS), or online. I think cages go for $5 or $10. Bottles should be in the same area. mtbr.com has reviews; I'm sure there are other places too.

operator

You're really only paying for style and weight savings as you go up in price - just find one that fits your head and your wallet best. As long as they are all CSPC certified they are all safe. The no vent, completely round helmet being the safest, and the "aero" 3939434 vent helmet being the markers of each end of the safety spectrum.

ericgu

You can get nice helmets for under $100, but paying a little more tends to get you better comfort and better retention systems. They also tend to be cooler in temperature. Try on different brands - each brand uses a different head form. I have a giro head, my wife has a bell head.

bottles/cages - whatever you want. I have CF ones on my bike because I like the look and I got one of them cheap.

Velo Dog

Only thing I can add is to avoid dark-colored water bottles. I got a couple as promotional junk at a century last year and used them once. The water must have gotten up over 100 degrees--it was actually painful to touch.

CommuterRun

I'm currently using a Bell Metro, and like it better than any helmet I've ever had. And it comes with all the helmet accessories you could want. But like was mentioned earlier, fit is the most important thing.

Mariner Fan

That's correct. They will all protect you. The expensive models should give you a bit more ventilation but it's not really worth the extra bucks. I have both, the spendy, and cheap and they both are fine.

mulchie

I just bought a Bell Citi which gets the highest safety and economy rating from consumer reports. $45. It took a while to fit the straps properly (factory set meant it could roll back on my head but I adjusted and it is comfortable and won't budge now). It was worth the time to really get it adjusted. I wouldn't have paid so much attention to the fit if I hadn't read the manual! Love it. Retired my old ill-fitting Gary Fisher helmet.
I got the safety yellow since I bike a lot at night. It's got reflector tape and straps with reflector fabric, too.

What kind of lights did you get? That's been my big focus bc I was cycling 5 miles w/ no lights and could hardly see the road. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Now I have a cateye optic and a good blinkie.
have fun

jschu

I got this light. I'm well aware of the fact that it's a piece of genius, but it does what I need it to do at low cost, so I'm happy.

Nermal

Wouldn't have hurt to get most of the accessories when buying the bike. They'll usually throw in a few freebies.

hjeand

... and don't forget to get a tube, tire levers, frame pump or CO2 pump, multi-tool and saddle bag to hold all of those things as you'll want to bring them on each ride. Don't want to be stuck with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere!
Also, buy a floor pump for home. Let's see... chain lube, degreaser, chain cleaner, cog brush so you can clean and relube your drivetrain.
Gloves are a very nice to have as they will keep your hands numb-free on longer rides. Same with padded biking shorts. Jerseys are very nice too -- get the kind with 3 pockets in the back so you can throw some food and your wallet and keys in them when you go biking.
I guess what I'm getting at is the list of things to buy is going to go on for quite some time. ;-)
Hjeand

jschu

That's why I'm kicking myself for getting into cycling. One of the most expensive hobbies there is. Oh well, at least I'll have nice calves.

e0richt

I got a helmet from target (<20.00) and it fits fine, a computer from walmart (~10.00), a seat bag from walmart (~10.00), multitool and tire levers from walmart (~8.00, ~4.00), tubes from LBS (5.00)
pump from LBS (~20.00), co2 pump with cartridge (15-20.00)...

powerglide

oh yes the spending phase...this phase spans the period between ordering your new bike until the day one loses interest in cycling...it's a glorious phase, enjoy!

Helmet $40-$80 (more money doesn't mean safer here...in fact cheaper may be better in some cases)..I like Bell (Triton model for my big ass head)...just try a few till you find one that fits well (fit is key)

Other stuff...tubes, levers, lube, pumps, saddle bag, shoes, bib or shorts, jersey, gloves, undershirt, pedals, cage....will be next (followed by 'upgrades' because the stock stuff 'needs upgrading' ...saddle, wheels, drivetrain)

For these "other things" I'd say good floor pump like a Topeak Joe Blow (cheap and reliable). Bibs are better than shorts IMHO, get good quality if possibe, cage doesn't matter much but I'd stay away from the uber cheap carbon cages that tend to break alot, also for tubes I'd spend extra buck or two on name brand ones, saddle bag should fit your stuff without rubbing thighs, tire levers...practice with cheapo regulars and see if you need a trick one like a CB speedlever, quick stik or something, pedals will be more personal preference lots of folks here swear by CB eggbeaters, I have them too but prefer Look KEO on road bikes.