mds2004

Well thank you all for helping me. Just a couple weeks ago I was asking for help on which bike to get from this thread.

Well today I picked up my first road bike, a 09 Specialized Roubaix in a carbon/red color. I cannot help but stare at it thinking it is so sexy (fortunately I do not have a gf to get jealous). I was able to adapt to my Keo Sprint pedals pretty easily coming from plane jane pedals without the cage or cleats.
I am so excited to be able to ride it tomorrow for the first real ride, but have to go and exchange helmets first. For some reason the helmet wont fit, but in the store it was perfect.

My questions are regarding what to buy as far as tools go. No I do not plan on taking apart the bike or anything, but I want tools that would work well for maintenance. I have quite a bit of automotive tools that would probably suffice for a few bike tools. Also what are some good all in one tools to carry with the bike?

I know I also need to buy some cages and water bottles. Are there any other things I need to buy? So far I have/ordered:
Bike
Helmet
Shoes
Pedals
Computer (Will be here Monday and I cannot wait)
Shorts

I might have to start riding more considering my other vehicle gets 10mpg with its newest engine Il get better pictures tomorrow.

mds2004

Also, is there a break in period for the bike? Do I need to go back to my LBS for adjustments? If so, how many miles do I need to put on it first? Would be alright to do my first few rides without the spare tube or patches or anything? I kind of splurged on everything else, and being that I only want to pay everything in cash I need to wait a week before buying my other accessories.

Another large question I forgot to ask is about it being a carbon bike. Is there anything special I need to watch out before besides big accidents due to it being a carbon framed bike? Anything about preventing cracks?

Thanks again guys, and sorry about all the questions.

youcoming

Usally after the first 100 miles you will need to go in and have the shift cables tightened, they stretch some with initial use.

umd

It's not really so much that they "stretch" as they settle in...

desmo13

I like the topeak mini 18 tool to carry with me.

Ride a couple hundred miles. then take it back to adjust for cable stretch etc.

For maintenance at home, you will need a sweet set of t-handle allen wrenches. Okay, any allens will do, but the t-handle ones by Park are so nice.

You should also get a chain whip, and cassette removal tool. I hate dirty cassettes.

A good floor pump.

some chain lube.

And finally a book on bike maintenance, and learn to adjust derailleurs and such yourself

Working on your bike is very rewarding.

mds2004

This will sound stupid but will gun lube work for the chain?

Beaker

Just pick up a bottle of chain lube when you head back to the store, bunch of familiar names round here - triflow, pedros, prolink.

You should also plan on getting a bag for your saddle to put a spare tube in and some tire levers and either a small pump to carry in a pocket or for your frame, or some CO2. Getting stuck on the road with no way to repair a flat would be a bummer.

Your questions about carbon - don't worry about it. It's tougher than you think; I had a couple of clipless incidents when I got my Roubaix - no big deal.

umd

Just don't drop it on a curb

JimF22003

How far do you want to walk home? (Oh and the tube and patches won't do you any good without a pump or a CO2 system.)

Enjoy the bike, but be safe!

kwrides

Congratulations. That's a heck of a 1st bike. Enjoy it!

You definitely want a helmet and a water bottle before your 1st ride. You will also want a spare tube, tire levers, pump and a multi-tool before you go very far. I would take a mobile phone (in a ziplock bag if...sweat and water kill mobile phones) and a $20 too. You don't want to get caught in a bad part of town or the middle of nowhere without a means to fix your problems.

roubaixdude

Great choice on the new ride. I love mine, it's an Elite. yes a triple(no flames please). I agree with the other posters on the gear you will need, It does get a little pricey, but shop around and it will be worth it. Again enjoy the Roubaix, I know I do !!!!!

mds2004

I will buy the spare tube/patch kit/etc as soon as possible, but will have to wait like a week as I spent my spending budget already.

And although my computer will not arrive until MOnday I still think I have to ride todays wonderful 76* weather. I want to ride as much because its going to drop to high 50s in a week or so and I leave for school on Wednesday. Fortunately its just less than two hours away so I can still come back to ride on weekends.

Now lets hope I dont get a flat on my first day.

yogi13

Good list people have given you. Add in some simple green or similar cleaner to make sure things stay nice and shiny, and you may want to get a chain cleaner, though you can accomplish the same task with brush and rags. Make sure you re-lube the chain just after you clean it, and clean it on a regular basis to extend both its life and that of your cassette and chain rings.

dstrong 

Regarding the patch kit...

I recently picked up the Park Glueless Patch kit for the first time. Unfortunately, I've had flats on my last two rides and find the glueless approach so simple compared to using glue.

Also...check to see if your shop offers a beginning maintenance course. Basics like how to change a tube and maintenance tips can be really helpful. ABSOLUTELY know how to fix a flat before you head out and get to far from home.

mds2004

First all, thank you everyone for their input. It is greatly appreciated and all is noted.

Will do on the glueless patch kit!
As far as knowing how to change the tube and basics, I think I have that all down but would still like to take the class. I have been riding a commuter mountain bike until stolen and then currently a comfort bike between campus and my apartment during the school year. From these I have figured out how to change wheels, tires, adjust disk and other types of brakes (I dont even know what road bike brakes are called! V-brakes?). I still need to learn derailers and shifting though...

umd

Calipers

mds2004

Well guess I went on my first ride! Since my computer is not in until Monday I googled mapped my path and it seems I rode a measly 12 miles. Hopefully soon enough I can start riding at least 30-50 miles. Within the first mile at the only light of course I take my first spill! Coming to a stop I did not un-cleat myself leading me to just flop over lol. How embarrassing...I quickly got up and hobbled across the street when the light turned green.

Besides that one mishap everything else was great ridewise. My body is definitely not used to the road bike geometry. If what I am riding now is considered a plush bike, I cannot understand you guys riding the distances on the race bikes. My lower back is pretty much the only thing sore right now but I am sure the rest of me will catch up and be sore as well in a few hours. During the ride though my butt was starting to kill me as well as my wrists when leaning on the bars.

Im sure after a few more rides though my body will get used to it. Hopefully this week I will buy a cage and a water bottle too. Once I got back home water was the first thing I went for.

mds2004

Doesnt every type of brakes for bicycles use calipers though? Sorry I am not trying to sound like an ass, but I thought the calipers grasp the disc brakes too, as the calipers grasp the rim on these bikes.

ericm979

Yes, that's true. But road brakes are often called "caliper brakes" as opposed to disc brakes or v-brakes or cantilever brakes.
Yes, it doesn't make complete sense. Cycling is an old sport and is somewhat tradition bound.

BTW, when I got my first road bike I was already a fit runner. My first ride was all of 6 miles and it kicked my behind. But it wasn't long before I was doing 50 mile rides. If you can ride during the week that'll help.

MONGO!

At the very least you'll need:
Spare tube
Tire levers
Pump/CO2 inflator
Multi-tool
Chain lube/oil

You'll also need some kind of floor pump, if you have a Performance near you they usually have something usable that's pretty cheap, ~$20-25, if not you can get one from a hardware store for $10 or so and a schrader/presta adapter and you're good to go.

You can ride without a spare tube, just don't go beyond walking distance from home unless you can get a pickup.

umd

Road cycling could write the book on not making sense. I mean, we clip in to clipless pedals!

JamisVE

Your body will get used to it, give it some time. Good you got that first "clipless" fall out of the way. That's a right of passage. The mileage will come soon enough - ride on.

umd

Not necessarily...

kwrides

Congrats on your 1st ride. It'll take a while, but you will gain distance and speed. Enjoy that new bike and welcome to the best hobby I know.

mds2004

I bought my saddlebag along with all the goodies for the inside except for the mini-tool. That will come later this week when Im back at school because I have some credit at REI.

Also what was cool that I found out when as Sports Chalet is that for the non-threaded C02 canisters I can just go to the BB gun section and buy the canisters there for much cheaper. Granted they are only 12grams, but $10 for 15 cartridges is amazing! The man there said he has been cycling since the 1960s and he looked like he was telling the truth (older but fit guy).
Good to know Im not the only one...