Originally Posted by
Keith777
Following as I am in a similar situation with budget. The issue for me is budget for everything needed to get going right away. What are the essentials (other than a helmet). I keep reading about all the extras and I am a bit overwhelmed.
- The first thing you need is a bottle holder and bottle for water while riding. Or use a Camelbak if you have one.
- I recommend gloves as a safety item.
- Once you get a flat on the road you'll want a spare tube and tire levers. Carry them in a back pack or pockets. You'll also need something to inflate your tire on the road. $40 for a pump or a bit less for CO2 setup.
- I like to carry my stuff in a seat bag, but back pack or waist pack will do.
- You should also invest $3 in a tire repair kit so you can repair and reuse tubes.
- If you ride at night, you'll need to invest in lights, good lights. Plan on $40-100 depending on whether you buy cheap chinese stuff or brand name stuff like Cygolite. Lights are safety items; don't buy the cheap lights that aren't bright. Read the electronics forum for
recommendations, but the cheap lights are often a waste of money; only purchase the cheap lights that other have recommended.
- I've never used the bike tool I purchased so don't hurry to buy one.