New to biking - looking for advice on essential extras
 

Hi,

I just purchased a bike a couple weeks ago - a 2015 GT Transeo 2.0 hybrid - and have started using it to commute mainly to and from work.

So far I'm loving it. Biking takes me a little longer but I feel more energized throughout the day at work and riding home is a welcome stress reliever.

When I purchased my bike, I picked up some lights (front and rear), a u-lock, helmet, and backpack. I completely blanked on a pump.

I'm definitely going to get a pump and given that I would not enjoy walking home from the mid-point between home and work, I'm guessing I should be carrying a repair kit in case I get a flat. Any advice on flat repair kits? Any additional advice on essential accessories and/or tools I should pick up is appreciated.

Thanks!

For flats, I like to carry a spare tube and a small pump. Or...a spare tube and a CO2 inflator with a couple of cartridges.

On long rides I sometimes throw in a patch kit as well, in case of having two flats.

Pack along a set of tire levers too. I actually carry just one lever to save a bit of weight. Wouldn't want to be without the one though.

It's worth doing a tube change at home as a dry run, just to be sure you have the procedure down. First time I used a CO2 inflator, I ended up doing it wrong and venting all the CO2 into the atmosphere.

Do you have flat-resistant tires? Those are worth a look if you can't afford to be late to work due to fixing a flat.

I use a Soma Townsend Hemp Seat Bag: Townsend Seatbag | SOMA Fabrications
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=503202
Carry a spare tube for your tire size, tire levers, patch kit, and inflation system. I have a pump on all of my commuter and touring bikes.
Latest purchase, Park Tools Mini Pump: Half-Pint Mini Pump | Park Tool
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=503203
Pedro tire levers: http://pedros.com/products/tools/whe...e/tire-levers/
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=503204
Vulcanizing Patch Kit : Vulcanizing Patch Kit | Park Tool
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=503205
Also would recommend upgrading your original tires to higher quality, flat resistant, kevlar belted tires. Cut down on the need to actually use the kit above.

Puncture resistant tires, if the bike didn't come with them.

Like Jonathan said, carry a replacement tube and patch the puncture when you get home (or just toss the punctured tube).

Victorinox (the Swiss Army knife company) makes an slick little tool kit that's good to carry: Amazon.com: Victorinox Swiss Army Bike Tool Kit, Small, Orange: Sports & Outdoors

A portable power bank for your phone can be handy.

It sounds to me like you're pretty well set. Go ride!

You need a backup plan for weather and breakdowns. That's up to you, some of us stick to fair weather and some ride year round rain or shine; some of us have cars, and some have someone else with a car, and some lucky folks have subways.

There are tons of things you can carry. Some bikepackers don't carry as much stuff as some commuters. I have found that tire irons and a small bike multi tool and a knockoff mini Leatherman suffice for me. I carry a spare tube and a patch kit, swap the tube in case of trouble and patch later in my spare time if I have any.

Looks like your bike was equipped with puncture resistant Kenda tires. If you do encounter an unusual number of punctures you might consider puncture resistant tubes filled with liquid sealant. But wait and see unless you can't afford any late days. I don't mind the extra weight so I like the liquid sealant filled tubes.

For a mini-pump, I'd suggest one with at least a short extension hose and threaded head. Much easier to handle than most pumps with direct connections and friction clamp lock heads. I like the Topeak Race Rocket HP, even though it isn't ideally suited to my 700x40 tires. It needs more strokes than a larger volume or longer tube, but each stroke is easy and I can get it up to 40-50 psi relatively easily, enough to get to my destination and later top off with my floor pump to the usual 60-75 psi. If you can safely leave the pump on the bike, a longer tube or larger pump will be better. But I usually take my pump with me for errands, and the little Topeak fits into my pocket or the camera waist pack that doubles as my handlebar bag.

Besides front and rear LEDs, I also carry flexible reflective arm/leg bands, yellow and orange/red. They cost only a buck a pair at the nearby dollar store, but you can buy 'em online. During the day I wrap the bands around my bike frame tubes and seat tube, and another around the rear rack. If I expect to ride after dark or very early morning I snap 'em around my ankles and maybe the left arm. They're very handy, quick and easy to use. Just pop the spring loaded strip and it conforms to most ankles and forearms, unless you're built like Fred Flintstone.

Snacks for a quick energy boost, especially if you occasionally experience low blood sugar in the morning without a proper breakfast (I do). I like bananas and chocolate. Breakfast of champions, along with coffee.

I usually tote a minimal first aid kit in a quart size ziplock baggie, containing a couple of small clotting pads, bandaids, disinfectant/analgesic ointment, gauze pads, paper or cloth bandage tape, a couple of ibuprofen and benadryl for emergency allergic reactions (useful if you're vulnerable to insect stings, but don't need an EpiPen), my asthma inhaler (which I need almost every ride). Sometimes I'll take a more complete kit on longer rides.

Commuting clothing... depends on your area, whether you can shower and change at work, whether you can store clothes at work or must carry them with you:

• I used to carry a lightweight yellow rain parka, one that could roll up into a sandwich sized baggie. Not great for regular use, but good in a pinch if caught in the rain.
• Years ago when I cycle commuted I'd change at work into uniform or hospital scrubs, and rode wearing merino wool jerseys and cycling shorts. Often I had time to shower at work too. Nowadays I'd probably consider a lightweight wicking layer undershirt, in case I didn't have time to change clothes. I was skeptical about those fancypants expensive wicking baselayers, but after a few rides with a Pearl Izumi undershirt, I can see why some riders like them despite the cost. Very comfy, not nearly as clammy as cotton t-shirts. After a long Saturday ride, wearing a Shimano Storm Jacket in 45 degree temp, my open weave cotton sweater was soaked, but the Pearl Izumi undershirt was nearly dry.

If rain or puddles from watering are a problem you might want fenders. But I've been surprised by how much my rear rack traps, and the fat aluminum down tube on the bike frame blocks some water kicked up by the front tire. However I've ridden in rain only a couple of times the past few months.

Personally, I don't like to wear a backpack when I ride because it makes my back sweat.

Wear layers when riding in the cold. If you're not a little cold when you first start riding, then you are probably wearing too many layers.

You can ride in almost any weather or temperature, and studded tires help in the winter.

Some commuters store their clean work clothes at their office, and change when they arrive. You can probably bring work clothes to work on days you don't ride your bike. That doesn't work for me, so I carry everything with me in a pannier that opens up to store a suit. The pannier is big enough to carry my work clothes, laptop, rain gear, repair kit, first aid kit, dress shoes, and more.

Tom

My bikes without Mudguards get very little use, Those With, get used all the time.

I would recommend carrying a basic first aid kit - band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, etc.

And a second recommendation for reflective leg and arm bands.

a rearviz mirror might come in handy: (they are relatively cheap) ... you can wear it on your wrist aswell

http://www.slowtwitch.com/articles/i...bikeDay4-8.jpg

Different tire/tube combos lose air pressure at different rates, I suggest checking (and topping up) tire pressure frequently until you get a handle on how long your tires hold air, so you don't get surprised by a pinch flat. Although it's also worth noting that you might be letting more air out while checking pressure than it had previously lost to that point...

Carry one spare inner. Keep another stashed at work. Practice changing tubes in comfort.
Consider some backup LED lights, mine are tiny watch battery style with elastic fittings.
Sufficient tools to adjust seatpost, saddle, bars, rear mech, brake/gear cables. Small blade for picking out glass. Leatherman small pliers are always handy. Chaintool is only useful if you can use it, I've never needed it for commuting.
Make sure your tyres are of sufficient quality with good puncture protection.
Rear rack and panniers are useful, one pannier is sufficient for a commute.
Keep your repair kit in a small bag in your pannier. Under-saddle bags are good for training and day rides.

For your pump, make sure it has a flexible hose and be able to pump both schrader and presta valves. Make sure you practice pumping presta valves - there's a learning curve. I've broken many presta valve stems.

A pair of disposable latex gloves will keep your hands clean when fixing a rear puncture.

Hi, I am completely new and I had the same question. I just got Gazelle Chamonix S30 and was looking for what other gear I need. A facebook ad sent me to : https://bikingnhiking.com/products/portable-multi-function-bicycle-repair-tools-kit But I am unsure if I need all that, I ride about 6 miles to work and then back and it mostly paved with about 1.5 mile of tight gravel surface. Is this a good price/content ratio? do I need more stuff if I have this kit? (I can get an extra tube at the local bike store if needed)
Thanks for the help

A rear rack! For when you have more to carry, or you can strap your backpack on it.

Thanks that is a good idea, Any recommendations?

I have the Soma Deco, though I was looking for both style and substance. I am sure other posters will have additional recommendations too! It is great but I want a chrome rack because it will look nicer with my bike! :D

This one is good because you can strap on panniers. I have a bungee cord I use to attack my lock, and I have some pannier like baskets. I do think that racks with springs clips are more useful, but for me it is not a big deal because i also have a front basket. So anything I might have used with the spring goes in my front basket. a front basket is a must have for me, because I need a place for a purse.

But for me the list of must haves for a useful rack:
1. carrying load of at least 30 pounds
2. rails for panniers
3. loops for bungee cords to connect to securely
4. optional: spring clip

I plan to get this one, as it'll look nicer on my bike. ;)

There are even less expensive ones that work well, depending on your needs. Or you can get a luxury Nitto rack. Lovely, but too pricey for me at the moment!

Thanks jade(408) :-)

I didn't see where you are located. If rain can happen - fenders! If dusk or darkness can happen, a really bright jersey or vest that comes down far enough in back that it is actually seen. A real pump, one that you won't mind using in either of the scenarios I just mentioned, ie a full frame pump. (When it is dark or wet, failed tire repairs happen a lot more often. And every one is another opportunity to use that pump which is either a joy or a curse. Yes, if you have a willing missus, you can pull out your cell phone, but after the dirt stains in her car from that first rain bailout, there may be repercussions.)

Don't for a second think that tire liners, slime, kevlar and all the other anti-flat devices are going to mean that the flats at bad times won't happen. You are trying to keep roughly 6 times atmospheric pressure in a thin rubber membrane. That is not an equilibrium state! Flat is!

So, fenders. (They will keep your bike and clothes a lot cleaner even with no water.) A bright vest or clothing. (I use a cycling reflective vest and put flashing taillights on the waist strap at teh forward corners of my hips to be seen by cars pulling out of side streets and oncoming cars turning left.) And a full complement of tire essentials. (I use full frame pumps and bring 2 tubes, a patchhit and tire irons. AusTexMurf's items are excellent but the brand really doesn't matter. (I use none of his suggested brands but the equivalents are all there.)

Ben

Wow, Thanks for the advice!

+1 these are great recommendations. Pedros levers are the best, no other levers are chunky/solid like them. There's a reason they only come in pairs, where the cheapies come as triples. Depending on your tires, you might only ever need one.

And for patch kits, the keyword is 'vulcanizing'. They make glueless patch kits, they might get you home, but the patches are basically just stickers, compared to vulcanizing glue which initiates a chemical reaction that fuses the rubber of the tube with the patch (without sticking to the inside of the tire!).

The other big name in quality patches is Rema; if you find a Rema TipTop patch kit, it might be a little better than a park VP-1 kit, but probably not a whole lot.

It's the same kit sold under the Roswheel label. The patch kit is probably okay. The multi-tool usefulness depends on the strength of the handle connection -- the Park multi-tool is strong enough to handle a quill stem or almost anything other than the bottom bracket.

The pump looks pretty generic and semi-useful in a pinch. I'd rather have a pump with at least a short extension hose and threaded head. It's hard to hold a portable pump steady without straining the valve stem, so an extension hose and threaded head are easier than direction connecting pumps.

For a little more money you could buy better stuff separately. Something like a Topeak Race Rocket HP, Park multi-tool, and Park or pretty much any brand patch kit and levers (levers may not even be needed with some tire/rim combos). Nashbar sells decent stuff under their own brand name, has a good return/exchange policy and honest customer reviews on many items. The vendor you linked to looks like just another generic online seller of low priced stuff with little or no history or customer feedback.

canklecat, Thank you for the detailed response. I will take it to heart :-)

Yes, GET A MIRROR. I prefer the mirror that attaches at the end of the bar. Very essential. Much better than turning your head. I know you wouldn't drive any other kind of vehicle in traffic without a mirror, so treat your bike the same way.