webbmoncure

I just ordered my first road bike - a brand-new bike shop assembled 2005 Bianchi Eros with manufacturer warranty - and it will likely come in sometime next week via the ebay seller for about $670.00 shipped/insured. What other items should I need if I'm riding 4-8 hours a week, or more for cardio/training purposes? Presently I put in about 30 min to an hour of cardio a day at the gym, and anticipate putting one hour a day on the bike of high-intensity riding, maybe a couple or more on the weekends.
I have a list of the obvious - helmet, tire patch kit, pump, water bottles... But what sort of clothing should I get for road bike riding? What sort of pedals for a beginner? What sort of oils for the chain if I'm riding it and it's damp outside? Tools for the bike to have handy at home? I have a good LBS and can purchase most everything I need there. Help is much appreciated. Thx.
Webb
Klamath Falls, OR

nelson249

In regard to clothing:

1) At least two pairs of decent cycling shorts. This is not the place to skimp out; your butt with thank you
2) Some sort of a wicking jersey. Here you can cheap out a bit. I bought a athletic shirt that suffices for my purposes for $10 at a dept store.
3) A breathable, waterproof jacket
4) Tights or leg warmers if you plan to ride in cool weather. Might consider some rain proof pants too
5) Gloves
6) Cold weather gear (heavier gloves, helmet liner, balaclava (or similar) weather proof and warm socks)
7) Decent pair of cycling shoes. You don't have to spend the earth but should get something with a stiff sole to get better power transfer to the pedals.

In regard to pedals, it rather depends on your comfort level. You might consider starting out with platform pedals with toe clips as you can ride with regular shoes and can always find a use for a spare pair of pedals if you elect to go clipless. I really like Shimano SPD pedals since I use the same shoes on my ATB as my road bike and saves duplication. SPD's are easy to use and easy to dial in the tension. Make sure you get these set up properly if you go that route.

Tools to have at home:

1) Metric Allen Key set
2) Floor pump
3) Chain gear brushes
4) Tire Levers
5) Pedal Wrench (a std 15mm wrench will do)
6) Screwdrivers
7) Grease, White Lightning or Finish Line Chain lubes and degreaser for cleaning the chain.
8) Spoke wrenches
9) Chain breaking tool

Other tools might be good to have but these would cover the basics. Any more serious work is done by taking the bike back to my LBS.

spinnaker

Pedals SPD Clipless - A bit heavy and not the best for a road bike but great for beginners.

A decent jersey and shorts (at least 6 panel). No need to pay a lot of money at first. Also a decent pair of socks. It is just as important to keep your feet cool and dry.

Get a new helmet every two years.

Don't ask so many questions all in one post, chances are not all of them will be answered.

Search the forum, these most of these questions have been asked before.

MichaelW

Do you have any experience riding a bike or riding a bike on the road?
Advice for an MTB convert is a little different to that for a newbie who last rode when he was 10 yrs old.

Dont worry too much about kit, you can buy as you need. Gloves and helmet will provide a little crash protection. Padded shorts will provide some comfort (always worn CLEAN, next to the skin without underwear). Dress for the weather and cover up in the cold.
Beware of clipless pedals if you dont know how to ride.
Know that there are ways and means to ride safely on the road and you should learn them. There are some std books on cycle roadcraft.

Mxu

Can't go wrong with eggbeaters, I bought the eggbeaters SL as my first clipless pedals and they've been ridiculously easy to use.

Pyro515

Second that, I have eggbeater sl's on my road and mountain bike, first clipless pedal I went with and probably will be the last. I love them!

Mike

stapfam

Well thought of answer. You can buy the bike and with all the suggestions on what you need- spend another couple of hundred and you still haven't ridden it.

Got the bike?- only bike spares are spare tube,tyre levers, patch kit and a multi tool- all to be carried in a small bag under the saddle. Pump and make certain it will get to 100psi in a couple of minutes and not eventually, and that is the basics. No need for any more unless you want to do a major rebuild.

On the clothing- Helmet- gloves and goggles. You could use sports shorts but cycling shorts are more comfortable and you could wear a sportshirt but a cycling top is better. Just as important- If you will be rain riding- initially get a cheap waterproof that will pack down small. If riding in the cold then get a better waterproof and a lightweight fleece and these will not fold down small.

Basically the same as michael- but remember that on clothing- Quallity normally pays- but cost's a lot. Its your wallet so get what you can afford to get you riding. I know when I started- first thing I got was a helmet- then the gloves and goggles and the rest came as the money did.

webbmoncure

I had a 2004 trek hybrid for a year and did some road biking, but it was very limited. most of my riding was on light trails and on two-lane roads where i used to live in virginia. i was depressed with the lack of speed for the amount of effort on the road with my trek hybrid, and i am excited to get the bianchi eros. worst thing about the hybrid was that it was really unsuitable for off-roading a lot, and not that great for speed on the road. probably a good city commuter bike, but that's about it. i have a specialized mountain bike, and with the hybrid i felt really stuck in the middle as far as running the gamut of cycling. but yeah, my road biking experience is fairly limited - i did regularly go riding for cardio on the trek, and put in about 8-10 hours a week. i presently ride on the exercise bike at the gym at 30-60 minute intervals maintaining a constant heart rate in the high 150's up to 170. I am 27 y/o by the way. i'm not so intimidated by the physical aspect of riding the bike, it's just i want to make sure i'm doing things correctly, and easing my way into the sport. that's it!