snowyfox

Well, my parents finally caved in on letting me get a new road bike, and they even gave me 200 to help me out. Now, the bike will be ready for me on thursday, any suggestions on accessories to get for it, ie, computer, mini pump, pedals, etc. and what your favorites are on pedals.
Thanks,
michael

ps can't wait till thursday

WheresWaldo

You should have some small tools to at least get you back home in case of a flat. This would include tire levers, patch kit, extra tube, some sort of mini pump, and a small seat pack to hold them. Add to this a small multi-tool and that should at least allow you to limp home or to the LBS if something were to happen on thed road.

As far as pedals go, this is a personal choice. I would go clipless, but then you have the expense of buying shoes also.

Tequila Joe

Judging from your signature & location, I would get a good U-Lock if you are going to use it for commuting. Get 1 or 2 bottles & cages. They are not very expensive. A couple spare tubes because you WILL need them this year. Also perhaps a computer so you can keep track of your mileage and speeds.

T.J.

Edit: Oh, almost forgot the most important thing, a good helmet. Gloves would be nice too.

MrCjolsen

Here is what I always carry on my bike:

pump,
patch kit,
extra tube,
multi-tool,
spoke wrench (tiny, cheap, light, and worth it's weight in gold if you ever break a spoke on the road).
Presta-schrader valve adapter.
Seat bag to carry the stuff in.

Of course, if you don't stray too far from home and carry a cell phone you don't really need any of the stuff.

If you don't want to drop $15 on the multi-tool, go to a hardware store and get 4 allen head wrenches from 4mm to 7mm. That should fix almost anything that might break or need adustment.

You will also need water bottles and cages.

A computer is also a near-necessity. The absolute cheapest one will do for now.

Then there's the issue of clothing. At minimum shorts and gloves. A jersey is nice, but for a fraction of the cost you can get by with any type shirt made of the same fabric - you just won't have the back pocket. I got a really good cycling shirt I wear all the time at Cosco for $15. If it's cold where you live, and you don't want to spring for a pair of tights or leg warmers, cut the legs off of an old pair of sweats and tuck them under the legs of your cycling shorts.

I have the cheapest pedals and shoes money can buy. My shoes were $30 and pedals about $20 at REI and Performance Bike respectively. Both work very well and I have a lot of miles on them. I have mtb pedals and shoes. A little less expensive and I can actually walk around when I get off the bike.

As time goes on, you will want to upgrade a few things on your bike. I bought an entry level road bike about 15 months ago. Since then I've replaced the saddle,(comfort) tires,(needed flat protection) and stem (better fit). I've also added aero bars. I also bought lights, a rack, fenders, a trunk bag and panniers. You don't need those things, but they allow you to use your bike for more than just out-and back training rides in nice weather.

CardiacKid

I have a Topeak survival kit, that I love. It costs about $30 and has all the tools you need on the road in a mid-size saddlebag. I prefer a co2 chuck because it doesn't take up much room, but the threaded cartridges are more expensive, so it might not be worth it. I love my eggbeater pedals. The only criticism is that they are not very OCP, because they are made for MTBs. They are very easy to get in and out of for people new to clipless. You also need a floor pump. There are a lot of good ones in the $35 range.

snowyfox

ok, i have a floor pump already, i would like to go clipless asap, but when I looked at all the pedals at my LBS, there were so many different styles, look, speed play, shimano, crank bros., look, etc. any suggestions on how to find out which ones I like of those

Retro Grouch 

If you're planning to use this bike to commute to class you need a BIG lock - maybe even two. Forget about any other accessories because they'll just get stolen. Actually, on a college campus the ultimate bike accessory is a POS commuter bike that won't hurt too badly when it gets stolen. Save the good bike for real riding.

baj32161

As far as your pedal question it depends on a few things. The main one being what type of riding you will be doing. WIll you be stopping alot (I am assuming that you will be since you are at college). If that is the case then you will want SPD pedals and Mountain Bike shoes with SPD cleats. This combination allows you to walk around in your cycling shoes due to the recessed cleats. Plus you can get shoes that look and feel more like everyday shoes, instead of the "funny looking" road cycling shoes. I have SPD pedals and Mountain Bike shoes (Sidi shoes) and I love them. The pedals are easy to get into and out of and the shoes are very comfortable to walk in. You will figure it out. Good luck to you.

Cheers,

Brian

Patriot

As much as I don't like them...


Cell phone.

fmw

I've taken to carrying one of these instead of a seat bag full of things. Since I've only had to walk home twice in history I figre lugging the seat bag around is a needless thing. My wife is willing to come pick me up if I call her so I have one in my jersey pocket. I've only used it to call her during a recent hunting trip. Otherwise, I never use it. It only costs $100 per year for the prepaid service. It weighs a fraction of what a seatbag full of stuff weighs.

snowyfox

well, even though I do commute to college campus, this bike is for road rides, ie not on campus. I have an older bike I use for that. So i am not sure if I want to go for a more standard shape road shoe, or go with a moutain style to walk in...

Specialrider

get a job and buy anything you see fit...