jross

I hope to get cycling outside again here soon. I've been thinking about some new equipment. Any input on some equipment (anything from clothes to gadgets) you've upgraded to would be appreciated....also which of these should I purchase first.

new shoes or going clipless and
aero bars or some sort of extension.

CliftonGK1

What bike do you ride?
How far/fast do you ride?

If you're not already using clipless pedals, that's a good investment which you can transfer to new bikes in the future. Cycling specific shoes will have stiffer soles and make longer amounts of time on the bike more pleasent (IMO).
Aerobars. Hrm. There's two reasons to rock a pair of aeros, as far as I'm concerned:
1) Time-trial or triathlon racing, where a lowdown aero position can shave minutes off your time.
2) Ultradistance, where having an aerobar with taller support stanchions is really just a way to keep pressure off your hands/arms/shoulders.
Other than those two situations, a comfortable pair of road drops should do you just fine; or a pair of bar-ends if you're on a flat-bar bike and need an extra hand position.

My recent upgrades have been switching from a Supernova E3 to a SON Edelux generator headlamp, a Velo-Orange Randonneur front rack instead of the Nashbar canti-stud rack, and a Gilles Berthoud 12L front bag instead of a Nashbar Elite handlebar bag on a homemade rack support.
For clothing, I've been switching my jersey collection over to wool from synthetics. I like the look and feel of wool, and in the PNW rain it keeps me warm even after I'm drenched to the bone. I also bought some 3/4 length knickers for those odd temperatures days when it's almost warm enough for shorts, but I still want my knees covered.

bautieri

So you're itching to toss some money around for no particular reason? Oh to have your problems

Well, I would say to purchase a Topeak Road (or mountain) Morph frame pump. They are awesome and worth every frigin penny. Why? When the time comes and you need to use it, the pump folds out into a mini floor pump, hose and all so you don't end up ripping your valve stem. If you do group rides you can be the smug hero who comes to the rescue when weight weenie's last CO2 cartridge turns out to be a dud.

A good flat repair kit

Quick Stix or Pedro's tire levers

A nice bicycle specific multi-tool

A repair stand

A set of spoke wrenches

A nice helemet

jross

right after I posted, I knew I shoulda said what kind of bike and what kind of riding!

My bike is just a diamondback hybrid from Dicks. I've been pleased with it so, so I don't have any plans on upgrading bikes yet. And for riding style. My wife and I (and my two sons whom I tow around in a trailer), we try to ride a couple hours or so @ 10mph. We plan on doing more rides this year,like the Great Pumpkin Metric, etc. No racing or centuries for us...yet.

Go dog Go

bigvegan

Bautieri has it right.

If you don't have that stuff, buy that stuff, plus some spare tubes, first.

The workstand can wait, but having all the tools to change a flat while you're out on a ride (and taking the time to practice this at home a couple of times first) is essential.

If you or the wife get a flat, and you don't have the tools, it's a hassle and everyone gets cranky.

On the other hand, if you can whip out the tire levers and a patch kit and get everybody back on the road with a minimum of fuss, WAY TO GO DAD!

Seriously, flats are a not uncommon occurrence, and it's worth the $20 or so to have the supplies to deal with them.

(A faster bike is probably in order before you go for aerobars, although a hybrid with aerobars might provide amusement for your fellow cyclists.)

Mr. Beanz

Anotehr idea, and what I do , is to take a couple extra tubes along. If I flat, I use a new tube, save the hassle of patching on the road. The when I get home, patch the damaged tube in a more organized cleaner environment. I then switch them, patched tube back on bike and new tube back into seatbag as a known good replacement.

Some people use the patched tube as the spare. I don't trust a spare that might fold along the patch and spend time in that position. Plus if you reinsert the patched tube at home, you know if it's going to hold beofe you hit the road again.

davin1023

What a small world. I am planning on doing that ride myself this year.

CranesInTexas

If i can save enough, this will be my next purchase.

Mr. Beanz

A thumb?

CliftonGK1

Wouldn't go with aeros on a hybrid, but Bautieri's got some great suggestions. Add a nice handlebar bag or large saddle bag (maybe a seatpost mounted rack bag) to carry around your repair gear, some snacks, and a camera. (Gotta have the camera if you're out riding with the family!) Make sure that you have tubes for all the wheels: Don't forget to carry a spare tube for the trailer wheels, which is going to be a different size from the bikes.

Daspydyr 

I got a Garmin 305 for Christmas and love it. I am a technoweenie, unashamed.

iqbal624

I think going clipless should be on the lost right behind the on road repair stuff. After I went clipless, I'll never go back. I've had many bikes over the years but my pedals have stayed with me..

txvintage

Upgrade/bling the Wife's bike first. Trust me on this.

gotls1

As a wife, I endorse this statement.

jross

well, my wife is not getting an upgrade, because she got a new bike last year when I did She would also agree with me.... But I know she would agree with buying more repair equipment. Last year I bought new tubes for the bikes and trailer. And we both would like new shoes.
I guess it's not exactly aero bars I wanted. I want another position, so attachments of any kind would work.

thanks for the replies all, and this is what I heard from ya'll; get a nice frame pump, more tools, and bags...but not much was said about shoes! ( I still want 'em though )

bautieri

If you are looking for a decent pair of cycling shoes, I would go with the Shimano MT-51. They are a nice cycling shoe that has a stiff fiberglass insole. You can leave the plugs in them until you decide to go clipless, if you buy SPD pedals it's just a matter of installing the cleats. Mountain bike shoes have recessed cleats so you can still walk around in them which is something to consider if you want to hop of the bike and walk around without doing the clickity duck walk that you have to do in road shoes.

If you want more hand possitions, look into a set of trekking bars: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Catalo...m=trekking+bar

bautieri

Drats, a duplicate post

CliftonGK1

Ergon seems to be one of the top brand names I hear mentioned for bar-ends.

rumrunn6

don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of everything. mail be your debit card :-)

AndrewP

Lighter tires make the bike feel a lot more agile. Panaracer Pasela TG foldables have the kevlar belt for flat protection, but have thin sidewalls that ride nicely and kevlar beads that save weight. I love my Topeak road Morph pump, but I think the one by Lezyne is better made and about the same price. Planet Bike 2 watt LED light is fantastic. Bar ends set low will allow you7 to ride in a more aero posture when you have a headwind. A trunk bag allows you to carry rainjacket and picnic without the drag of panniers.

bautieri

Good call on the lights AndrewP, I'd also mention that a planet bike superflash is a great use of 20 or so bucks. In my opinion they are one of the best off the shelf rear blinkies (dollar for dollar).

Fishy

Aero bars on a hybrid? Not the way to go.

If you're looking for another position or if your hands are not comfortable on the bike, consider bar ends or replace the grips with Ergon grips. Might not be a bad idea to treat yourself to a professional fitting on your bike?