The other stuff to buy, when getting a new bike
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The other stuff to buy, when getting a new bike
So I am narrowing down my bike search. With that said, I know there are other things I will need to get. Just wondering how close I have the list to make me ready to ride.
Bike pedals
Bike shoes
Water cages
Water bottles
Helmet
Bike shorts (or boxers? I saw those at REI)
Cycle gloves
Repair kit
Am I missing anything? Is there anything that is not needed to get rocking from the above?
Thanks for helping another newbie out, truly appreciate the feedback.
Bike pedals
Bike shoes
Water cages
Water bottles
Helmet
Bike shorts (or boxers? I saw those at REI)
Cycle gloves
Repair kit
Am I missing anything? Is there anything that is not needed to get rocking from the above?
Thanks for helping another newbie out, truly appreciate the feedback.
#4
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Lighting (if required), bag to hold tools & patch kit, frame pump (perhaps), sunglasses (of course).......oh, and a bicycle!
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So I am narrowing down my bike search. With that said, I know there are other things I will need to get. Just wondering how close I have the list to make me ready to ride.
Bike pedals
Bike shoes
Water cages
Water bottles
Helmet
Bike shorts (or boxers? I saw those at REI)
Cycle gloves
Repair kit
Am I missing anything? Is there anything that is not needed to get rocking from the above?
Thanks for helping another newbie out, truly appreciate the feedback.
Bike pedals
Bike shoes
Water cages
Water bottles
Helmet
Bike shorts (or boxers? I saw those at REI)
Cycle gloves
Repair kit
Am I missing anything? Is there anything that is not needed to get rocking from the above?
Thanks for helping another newbie out, truly appreciate the feedback.
- Floor pump (you'll need it before every ride)
- Jerseys (yes, plural)
- Sunglasses
If you want to take cycling seriously:
- Work stand
- Mechanics tool set (you don't need to full one but one that has most of the basics like chain whips, torque wrenches etc)
- Degreaser/Lube
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As a newbie, those are the things that I bought. Although I haven't bought the shoes/clipless pedals, yet. I want to get used to riding, again, before I worry about those.
Some might suggest a jersey, but I'm going to use t-shirts for a while.
I have been using my smartphone to keep track of my rides, so I'm starting to look for something to attach it to the handlebars/stems.
And my wife and I already had a floor pump from when we got her bike.
GH
Some might suggest a jersey, but I'm going to use t-shirts for a while.
I have been using my smartphone to keep track of my rides, so I'm starting to look for something to attach it to the handlebars/stems.
And my wife and I already had a floor pump from when we got her bike.
GH
Last edited by ColaJacket; 04-20-15 at 09:21 AM.
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As a newbie, those are the things that I bought. Although I haven't bought the shoes/clipless pedals, yet. I want to get used to riding, again, before I worry about those.
Some might suggest a jersey, but I'm going to use t-shirts for a while.
I have been using my smartphone to keep track of my rides, so I'm starting to look for something to attach it to the handlebars/stems.
GH
Some might suggest a jersey, but I'm going to use t-shirts for a while.
I have been using my smartphone to keep track of my rides, so I'm starting to look for something to attach it to the handlebars/stems.
GH
Might as well stockpile them now where you still have a better chance of a discount before it only gets warmer and more in demand.
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Buy as much... or as little as you like. My LBS won't even let you test ride a bike without a helmet. So maybe gettinga helmet would make the top of the list. I'd definitely take a helmet home with the bike (if I didn't already own a helmet).
The pedals, shoes, cycling kits (and socks), do-rags, lightweight bottle cages, insulated water bottles, saddle bag, CO2 inflator, extra tubes and tools, and so on.... can run more than some really decent new bicycles. Don't buy more than you really need because you may change your mind about what items you really want to use.
The pedals, shoes, cycling kits (and socks), do-rags, lightweight bottle cages, insulated water bottles, saddle bag, CO2 inflator, extra tubes and tools, and so on.... can run more than some really decent new bicycles. Don't buy more than you really need because you may change your mind about what items you really want to use.
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Flat kit, means of inflation, mini-tool, saddle bag. Bottle of chain lube.
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A good blinkie whether you ride at night or not. I like the HotShot with the USB recharging.
Some people also run a white front strobe "be seen" during the day.
Some people also run a white front strobe "be seen" during the day.
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To add to the list... I always leave a Presta/Schrader adapter on one of my wheels.
Did we get a couple of spare tubes?
If you tinker, then also look for some bike specific tools:
Cone Wrench.
Spoke Wrench
Cassette tool & chainwhip.
Did we get a couple of spare tubes?
If you tinker, then also look for some bike specific tools:
Cone Wrench.
Spoke Wrench
Cassette tool & chainwhip.
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I don't bother with jerseys - I don't see that they offer anything over regular sportswear tops. I just wear regular tops - either T-shirts, or swa
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Sooner or later you'll get a bike computer to track your rides and fitness.
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In order of things I bought:
1. Floor pump
2. Helmet (rule #64 )
3. Water bottles
4. Lezyne v10 multi tool (started with the v5)
5. Tire lever, extra tube and pump (practiced at home)
6. Jersey (to Stowe #5 off the legs + it's aero, welcome to the club)
7. Padded shorts
8. Higher quality padded shorts
9. Patch kit (never needed it yet)
Wish list:
10. Lights
1. Floor pump
2. Helmet (rule #64 )
3. Water bottles
4. Lezyne v10 multi tool (started with the v5)
5. Tire lever, extra tube and pump (practiced at home)
6. Jersey (to Stowe #5 off the legs + it's aero, welcome to the club)
7. Padded shorts
8. Higher quality padded shorts

9. Patch kit (never needed it yet)
Wish list:
10. Lights
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They say the number of bikes to have/own is "N+1". This probably applies to gear as well.
Note of caution....I made the mistake of getting what I thought I wanted in a bicycle, only to soon find out that I was wrong (I've heard of many others making the same mistake). Got a flat bar road bike (thought I wanted), when a drop bar road bike was better suited for the riding I ended up doing. Make sure you get the right bike for how you plan to ride.
And, don't get too caught-up in the perfect gear/kit to start with. Shops like Performance have there own brands (all of which I have bought is still in good condition by-the-way) that work well for beginner level riding. Over time you can start to collect nicer gear.
Note of caution....I made the mistake of getting what I thought I wanted in a bicycle, only to soon find out that I was wrong (I've heard of many others making the same mistake). Got a flat bar road bike (thought I wanted), when a drop bar road bike was better suited for the riding I ended up doing. Make sure you get the right bike for how you plan to ride.
And, don't get too caught-up in the perfect gear/kit to start with. Shops like Performance have there own brands (all of which I have bought is still in good condition by-the-way) that work well for beginner level riding. Over time you can start to collect nicer gear.
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Can take off a few things if you're not in good shape yet.
- 1 water bottle and cage
- pedals shoes if you don't have the cash yet. Just get cheapos.
- ride without gloves and see if you need them. I personally don't have any desire to get them but I have friends that felt they needed them.
+ presta valve adapter
- repair kit if you won't get stranded from a flat atm
+ sunglasses if you don't have a pair already
Jersey you'll prolly eventually want one. I use dri fit shirts atm. I kind of want a jersey just because they are longer in the back.
But ya most stuff depends on you and how far/ much you'll be riding at first and your budget.
- 1 water bottle and cage
- pedals shoes if you don't have the cash yet. Just get cheapos.
- ride without gloves and see if you need them. I personally don't have any desire to get them but I have friends that felt they needed them.
+ presta valve adapter
- repair kit if you won't get stranded from a flat atm
+ sunglasses if you don't have a pair already
Jersey you'll prolly eventually want one. I use dri fit shirts atm. I kind of want a jersey just because they are longer in the back.
But ya most stuff depends on you and how far/ much you'll be riding at first and your budget.
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Get a jersey, even if it is only a cheap one off Amazon or nashbar. Those 3 rear pockets are invaluable IMO. It negates the need to carry a backpack when you want to bring food and/or tools with you on a ride.
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Think 75/25 split.
Whatever your budget, 75% is the bike. The other 25% is the stuff.
Minimum...floor pump, on bike flat repair (for when you are riding and not within walking distance of your home) inflation/tube etc...seat bag, clothing (shorts and a jersey), helmet. Repair tool. Water cage and a bottle, but if you plan on longer rides get two. If bike does not come w pedals, either toe clips to ride in running shoes (not recommended) or clipless pedals and a shoe of some type. I recommend gloves in case you fall and or crash. Trust me on this.
Typically, shops provide accessory discounts of varying levels, and bigger ones will have clearance racks where the savings is better.
Whatever your budget, 75% is the bike. The other 25% is the stuff.
Minimum...floor pump, on bike flat repair (for when you are riding and not within walking distance of your home) inflation/tube etc...seat bag, clothing (shorts and a jersey), helmet. Repair tool. Water cage and a bottle, but if you plan on longer rides get two. If bike does not come w pedals, either toe clips to ride in running shoes (not recommended) or clipless pedals and a shoe of some type. I recommend gloves in case you fall and or crash. Trust me on this.

Typically, shops provide accessory discounts of varying levels, and bigger ones will have clearance racks where the savings is better.
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Just get one of everything in every size,then you are covered :-). Dicks actually has a decent cheap jersey :-).
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If you are negotiating bike price, and you hit a wall at a higher price than you hoped, you can try to have some of the accessories thrown in for free or discount. That is a good way to get what you will need and reduce the total out-of-pocket and has proven successful over time.
After making your deal at your LBS it also makes sense to hunt for good prices on accessories online, especially the non-clothing items that don't involve fit.
After making your deal at your LBS it also makes sense to hunt for good prices on accessories online, especially the non-clothing items that don't involve fit.
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Going to throw myself under the bus on this one:
You can get computers from mainland China for like $2.50 and free shipping. They take about a month to arrive, but they work well enough. Worth replacing with something nice form the LBS once you have recovered from Suddenly Lighter Wallet Syndrome (SLWS).
Pedals + Shoes are the most significant "upgrade" I've ever experienced.
Sunglasses.
I might suggest not jumping straight into tools. A mini tool and tire levers could be important in case of flats/emergencies, but there are so many tools that it really only makes sense to buy what you need when you do. Otherwise you can sink serous money into stuff you don't need / will never use. Once you do get into mechanics, though, it's hella fun.
You can get computers from mainland China for like $2.50 and free shipping. They take about a month to arrive, but they work well enough. Worth replacing with something nice form the LBS once you have recovered from Suddenly Lighter Wallet Syndrome (SLWS).
Pedals + Shoes are the most significant "upgrade" I've ever experienced.
Sunglasses.
I might suggest not jumping straight into tools. A mini tool and tire levers could be important in case of flats/emergencies, but there are so many tools that it really only makes sense to buy what you need when you do. Otherwise you can sink serous money into stuff you don't need / will never use. Once you do get into mechanics, though, it's hella fun.
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Ya dicks might be good for clothing and some other small things. I actually got 2 pairs of pearl izumi shorts there for 30 a piece, quests and attacks. Probably going to check there soon for jerseys and maybe shoes if they carry them. Big chains can prolly mark things down more than shops and want to push out overflow from last year faster.
Might get a deal on a helmet too. I know they carry giro. I bought my helmet from my lbs since they let me use their bench but I'm pretty sure it's just a giro helmet with a Cannondale logo on it.
Might get a deal on a helmet too. I know they carry giro. I bought my helmet from my lbs since they let me use their bench but I'm pretty sure it's just a giro helmet with a Cannondale logo on it.
Last edited by prs1; 04-20-15 at 07:26 AM.