midmobikes

Just bought my first bike in 14 years earlier this week. A 12'Giant Defy 5. I bought it as a form of cross training for my running... So anyway I totally love riding it more than I thought I would. I have probably only rode a total of 8 miles since I have owned it, but I had a blast. I didnt figure on all the accesories I would want/need so I am hoping some experienced folks can give me some advice. Today I bought 1. A helmet 2. A Bell wireless computer 3. water bottle and cage. 4. bike lock. 5. Front and rear LED lights. I bought an air pump for home when I bought the bike. All of the items I bought today came from wal-mart(I know I dont like it either, but all of that is hard to pass up for $70). Here are the other things I am assuming I will be needing. 1. shorts/tights with padding (which is better for all season) also if anyone could recommend an affordable brand. I was also thinking I will need spare tubes, frame pump, tire levers. I plan on going on lengthy rides. I rode 30 mi. on a rental last summer and it was fun aside from the @** pain. I am in the mid mo area and wont lie, I am a bit nervous about taking to the rural highways by myself if anyone is in my area and interested in going on a ride let me know (I will buy lunch). I have a hectic work schedule and am having a hard time planning on when I will do my first long ride. Thanks in advance for any advice.

MrWesson

I dont even have my roadie yet but I bought a entry level cateye computer, a couple tubes and a flat kit. I dont have any riding clothes(wear moisture wicking clothes),shoes,clip in pedals, etc.

Didn't stop my fat butt(5'6"/190lb) from riding 30 miles to the beach and back today averaging 15.5MPH on a 35lb MT bike(with 1.5 slicks).

I'm sure shorts would help but I'm not that uncomfortable.

Shoes are nice but I'm not made of money and when you consider $150 for some pedals and shoes I may never buy them new.

10 Wheels

I get most of my shorts from here.
You can return them if you don't like what you get.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Categor...egoryId=202491

Burton

Nice bike!

So suggest you make the riding the priority and not the bike. Research some interesting cafes abd restaurants you can use as pitstops and an excuse to get out of the house, see if there are any riding clubs in your area and go from there. You've already got everything you need to have a blast!

triumph.1

You could buy a cheaper pair or two if cycling shorts, but remember to wash them after every use. Any kind of wicking sport shirt will do if you don't want to spend money on jerseys right away. In cold weather I use my under armour long sleeves as a based and a nice cycling jacket over. For colder weather you would probably want tights or knicker bibs. I use knicker bibs from to 50-65 degrees, below that there are better alternatives. If budget is really pressing you could really do with about any cold weather gear coat, gloves, etc. and experiment. in cold a skull cap or at least ear warmers or if you don't always wear a helmet a stocking cap. I buy cycling specific gear, but I am not on a tight budget. Remember what works for one doesn't always work for another. Read reviews on gear and read some more. Eventually you will become familiar with terms, gear types, sizing and equipment needed to really maximize enjoyment. Glasses help keep the bugs away as well as the wind and debris like dust, dirt. As for shoes you can do pedals no clips (cheapest, clips (more expensive) and clipless (most expensive and requires shoes w/cleats). When I started I asked around and really bought a lot of stuff I ended up not needing, but I used everything until I became more familiar with the sport. I am sure others will chime in, but feel free to pm or email me if you have specific questions. I'll help based on my experience which isn't a lot, but I get by.

SlimRider

Have you thought about what you're going to do in the case of stray dogs pursuing you along the way?

Pepper spray works for me!

midmobikes

Thank you all for the replies so far. I will check out the web site mentioned. As far as stray dogs believe it or not that is a huge problem out in the sticks. I have already had to deal with that while doing my running on a regular basis. I never never never leave for a run without my mace, and I have had to use it more than once.

MegaTom

When you start riding with bike shorts, leave the underwear at home.

Machka 

I have an unrelated question ... why was this moved out of Road Cycling and into General? Sounds to me like the OP wants to get into road cycling, so it would make more sense to leave it there. I'm not familiar with the Giant Defy ... but I presume it's a road bicycle, not a hybrid or something like that. And the OP didn't give any indication that he rode his first 8 miles on a MUP.


midmobikes ... welcome to road cycling, and feel free to post your rides on our regular Weekend Rides thread in the Road Forum. You don't have to race, or do club rides, or anything special to post in that forum, and especially in that thread. You just have to ride your road bicycle on the road.

This week's Weekend Ride thread ...
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...February-11-12

Mondo734

During the nicer months I do 40-50 mile rides regularly and this is what I have found.
1.A small bike saddle bag is a must for holding stuff (cell phone, some cash and other needed items)
2. A bike multi-tool is super handy (nashbar.com has good ones for cheap)
3. Until you buy bike shorts you can buy a small bottle of baby powder to keep the chaffing under control.
4. I carry a camel pack;2liters vs. one small water bottle makes for less water stops and you can drink it while riding easier. I know that most roadies consider this a "Fred" move but its functional
Hope this helps.

elboGreaze

+1 for Nashbar, bought a pair of their padded shorts and the quality is fine (good price). Don't forget to get a small butt bag for underneath your seat for levers , patch kit , spare tube ,etc.
Welcome and have fun !

Dudelsack 

About the rides, consider joining a local bike club. Also, post on the regional forums to see if you might find a riding partner.

Jamesw2

www.aerotechdesigns.com for clothing and www.campmore.com for cold weather riding gear. Get a reflective vest from Tractor Supply Store it sort of doubles as a windbreaker
And I will bring up the saddle issue! Find one that works for you. I use the Selle TRK https://www.go1bike.fr/Saddles/122-Se...Men-noire.html

https://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/c-27-smp.aspx

Captain Blight

The cheapest thing you can do is ride. Ride like fury, ride like the wind, ride like a maniac, ride till it hurts and ride some more. Or just go for a bike ride.


It's not about the gear. Just ride.

Garfield Cat

There might be a time when you ride more and notice a little aches and pains. As you ride more, it persists. That's when you need more than the local bike shop recommendations for new equipment to solve the problem. Just keep in mind that an independent pro bike fitter might be the "go to" expert.

Retro Grouch 

Where in Missouri?