Rank the purchases in terms of importance
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 76
Bikes: Trek Madone 4.5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do appreciate the ignorant twerp statement considering running a unit and being a surgeon are two different things... You are obviously a big boy. I'm not here to say that a helmet law or something is mandatory, but helmets should be on the top of the list of things you need. Feel free to ride without a helmet. I'll be happy to cut on your head.
#27
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
LOL, I can't resist one more post. What don't they offer significant protection against? A car tire driving over your head? Agreed, a bicycle helmet weighing 250-300g does not help. Your skull will be crushed.
Falling at low speed (I consider 30mph and less low speed) and hitting your head on the curb or road? Strongly disagreed. A bicycle helmet dramatically helps. You will likely suffer no life-threatening injury. Smashing your face is cosmetically undesireable but rarely fatal.
Falling at low speed (I consider 30mph and less low speed) and hitting your head on the curb or road? Strongly disagreed. A bicycle helmet dramatically helps. You will likely suffer no life-threatening injury. Smashing your face is cosmetically undesireable but rarely fatal.
#28
Closet Fred
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vista, CA
Posts: 88
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OMFG. Are there seriously people arguing that a helmet is unnecessary and won't be dramatically beneficial to saving your life in the event of an accident?
These are probably the same people that argue that smoking doesn't cause cancer and that Elvis isn't dead.
These are probably the same people that argue that smoking doesn't cause cancer and that Elvis isn't dead.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 459
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought my first road bike on July 1 and have put over 350 miles on it so far this month. The first weekend I rode it over 50 miles in workout shorts and sneakers. Since then, here's what I have decided I needed, in this order:
1. Water bottle and cage-dehydration sucks
2. Bike shorts-made a bigger difference in comfort than I expected
3. Air pump-using my shop air compressor was a PITA and this has been a great purchase
4. Tire tools and repair kit--after walking home with flats three times in a two-day period, I decided these were mandatory.
5. Clipless pedals and shoes-could have lived without them for a long time, but they are nice to have. Makes riding out of the saddle a lot easier, and much safer and convenient for around town riding with stop lights than toe clips.
I use an iPhone app but am looking around for a cheap computer with a cadence function. A cycling jersey is pretty much last on my list, although I did buy a couple of workout shirts one size smaller than normal. The jersey would be convenient for carrying the tire repair stuff on a long ride.
1. Water bottle and cage-dehydration sucks
2. Bike shorts-made a bigger difference in comfort than I expected
3. Air pump-using my shop air compressor was a PITA and this has been a great purchase
4. Tire tools and repair kit--after walking home with flats three times in a two-day period, I decided these were mandatory.
5. Clipless pedals and shoes-could have lived without them for a long time, but they are nice to have. Makes riding out of the saddle a lot easier, and much safer and convenient for around town riding with stop lights than toe clips.
I use an iPhone app but am looking around for a cheap computer with a cadence function. A cycling jersey is pretty much last on my list, although I did buy a couple of workout shirts one size smaller than normal. The jersey would be convenient for carrying the tire repair stuff on a long ride.
#30
CAT4
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Posts: 1,681
Bikes: 2009 Cervélo S1, 2009 Felt F75, 2010 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5, 2011 Cannondale CAADx, 2011 Specialized Transition Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You are mistaken, and it has nothing to do with motorcycles. Were you suggesting that people cycled in motorcycle helmets, that would make more sense. Your position is based on the assumption that bicycle helmets afford significant protection, and they probably don't. But I agree that minds are unlikely to be changed by argument, prejudices and assumptions are too deep-rooted.
#31
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies. Patch kit(tube, mini pump, levers, etc.), water bottles+holders and decent floor pump will be the first batch of purchases.
Don't wanna take part in any helmet talks, but you feel free to commence the scuffle
Don't wanna take part in any helmet talks, but you feel free to commence the scuffle

#32
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ohioland/right near hicville farmtown
Posts: 4,813
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
think of it this way, say you don't want to have a kid, you could just pull out (no helmet) or you could wear a condom (wearing a helmet) and reduce the risk, even if it's only 5%. in my mind if i helmet would allow me to survive an extra 3 pounds of pressure in a crash then i will wear a helmet.
#33
noob
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Lehi, UT
Posts: 130
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Must have:
1. Home: pump w/ gauge and lube
2. Water bottles/holders
3. mini pump/tube
4. Shorts/bibs
Nice to have:
5. helmet
6. clipless pedals/shoes
7. multi-tool
8. jersey
9. CO2
I will go with the helmet as "nice to have" since I went for 15 years with only a cycling cap. Today I wear one every time I ride, but it is still a choice.
1. Home: pump w/ gauge and lube
2. Water bottles/holders
3. mini pump/tube
4. Shorts/bibs
Nice to have:
5. helmet
6. clipless pedals/shoes
7. multi-tool
8. jersey
9. CO2
I will go with the helmet as "nice to have" since I went for 15 years with only a cycling cap. Today I wear one every time I ride, but it is still a choice.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,552
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
144 Posts
This needs to go to A& S

#35
It's ALL base...
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Helmet arguments are easy, if people are being honest, and can be resolved by answering one simple question: Would you let your kids ride their bikes without one?
As to the OP, seriously, consider what it takes to complete your ride, and plan accordingly.
For me, that includes comfort gear (i.e., bibs, jersey, socks, clipless pedals, etc.), safety gear (helmets, gloves, hydration/nutrition), and "what-if" gear (Road ID, driver's license, phone, tube/patch kit, pump, tools, cash, etc.).
As to the OP, seriously, consider what it takes to complete your ride, and plan accordingly.
For me, that includes comfort gear (i.e., bibs, jersey, socks, clipless pedals, etc.), safety gear (helmets, gloves, hydration/nutrition), and "what-if" gear (Road ID, driver's license, phone, tube/patch kit, pump, tools, cash, etc.).
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 444
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Helmet is first, period. Mine saved my life when it took an impact at 40mph. Water bottle, cage, saddlebag, tool, tubes, and a pump are necessities. A pump at home is optional if you have a good portable one on the bike (Topeak Road Morph is good).
Next would be chain lube unless you want to pay a shop to do it. Then the rest as you see fit. Good shorts will make the rides feel better as will clip less pedals. A home pump is a lot less work but either can get the job done.
Next would be chain lube unless you want to pay a shop to do it. Then the rest as you see fit. Good shorts will make the rides feel better as will clip less pedals. A home pump is a lot less work but either can get the job done.
#37
Psycholist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 514
Bikes: Devinci Amsterdam, Litespeed Teramo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Judging by how often I use stuff ... I'll temper my list with probabilities. I'll assume your biking 20 miles or less starting out.
1. Floor pump and lube.
2. Bibs and jersey.
3. Clipless pedals and shoes (Look).
4. Bottle and cage (needed if biking longer than 20 miles).
5. Kit (saddle bag w. tube, co2, co2 pump, tire levers, and multi-tool). (should carry but can chance riding without it for a bit)
Cheers,
1. Floor pump and lube.
2. Bibs and jersey.
3. Clipless pedals and shoes (Look).
4. Bottle and cage (needed if biking longer than 20 miles).
5. Kit (saddle bag w. tube, co2, co2 pump, tire levers, and multi-tool). (should carry but can chance riding without it for a bit)
Cheers,
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 2,146
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Helmet arguments are easy, if people are being honest, and can be resolved by answering one simple question: Would you let your kids ride their bikes without one?
As to the OP, seriously, consider what it takes to complete your ride, and plan accordingly.
For me, that includes comfort gear (i.e., bibs, jersey, socks, clipless pedals, etc.), safety gear (helmets, gloves, hydration/nutrition), and "what-if" gear (Road ID, driver's license, phone, tube/patch kit, pump, tools, cash, etc.).
As to the OP, seriously, consider what it takes to complete your ride, and plan accordingly.
For me, that includes comfort gear (i.e., bibs, jersey, socks, clipless pedals, etc.), safety gear (helmets, gloves, hydration/nutrition), and "what-if" gear (Road ID, driver's license, phone, tube/patch kit, pump, tools, cash, etc.).
I like everything on Dscott's list I use everything but the drivers license since it is somewhat redundant with the road ID.
As mentioned before, you will however need a helmet for all group rides, so if you plan on doing them or any events it bumps it up the prioity list.
#39
I bike in the nude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mobile,Alabama
Posts: 245
Bikes: Custom. '02 trek 1000 with ultegra and dura ace components. Too much to list... Just ask me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#40
I bike in the nude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mobile,Alabama
Posts: 245
Bikes: Custom. '02 trek 1000 with ultegra and dura ace components. Too much to list... Just ask me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would want my child to have a helmet on at all times, but the bike would not cease to function if they didn't put it on, hence it is not a need. I think people get confused about what needs are sometimes.
I like everything on Dscott's list I use everything but the drivers license since it is somewhat redundant with the road ID.
As mentioned before, you will however need a helmet for all group rides, so if you plan on doing them or any events it bumps it up the prioity list.
I like everything on Dscott's list I use everything but the drivers license since it is somewhat redundant with the road ID.
As mentioned before, you will however need a helmet for all group rides, so if you plan on doing them or any events it bumps it up the prioity list.
#41
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ohioland/right near hicville farmtown
Posts: 4,813
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
An example of a fantastic parental figure. I want my kid to wear a helmet, but if he doesn't there's nothing i could do. I would hope you teach your kids to wear a helmet any time they're on a bike. nothing worse than becoming a vegetable.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,204
Bikes: Colnago C59 Italia Di2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
On the helmet debate, read again post #5
I was very glad of my helmet last weekend. I suppose i cant really say what would have happened without but when you get up from an accident and see car paint smeered across the shell and bits of gravel stuck in it, it makes you glad you had it on.
If nothing else it made a comfortable head rest while i was laying on the road waiting for the ambulance
I was very glad of my helmet last weekend. I suppose i cant really say what would have happened without but when you get up from an accident and see car paint smeered across the shell and bits of gravel stuck in it, it makes you glad you had it on.
If nothing else it made a comfortable head rest while i was laying on the road waiting for the ambulance
#43
It's ALL base...
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My policy is nothing goes in the jersey pockets that I'd need to have a surgeon extract from my kidneys or pull out of my spinal column if I fall on it.
Not that I plan on falling on my mini-pump or multi-tool, but then it's the same reason I wear a helmet: because I can't always plan when I'm going to fall.
#44
I bike in the nude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mobile,Alabama
Posts: 245
Bikes: Custom. '02 trek 1000 with ultegra and dura ace components. Too much to list... Just ask me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just curious...is the trailer park bit because i'm from Alabama by any chance? And whatever floats your boat. I don't exactly "Stuff" my pockets. I have a tube and mini pump in one,phone in the other,and keys in the other pocket. Can't even tell i have anything in them.
#45
Middle-Aged Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,276
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV 2014, TREK HIFI 2011, Argon18 E-116 2013
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
something I never head on this site is the liquid sealant. I use the caffelatex and have had multiple punctures, but only found out when I got home, and you can still patch the tube! still keep a spare tube and co2 but small pinpricks don't deflate the tire and cleanup is a breeze. paid a few dollars for the kit and will never look back... why is this not discussed more??
oh yeah, bring a piece of paper/cardboard for tire a band-aid..
oh yeah, bring a piece of paper/cardboard for tire a band-aid..
#46
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 26
Bikes: Felt F75, custom fixed gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Don't use motor oil on your chain.... that's a good way to take the life of it down. It's too heavy and won't get down into the rollers, leaving your chain essentially ungreased.
#47
It's ALL base...
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just curious...is the trailer park bit because i'm from Alabama by any chance? And whatever floats your boat. I don't exactly "Stuff" my pockets. I have a tube and mini pump in one,phone in the other,and keys in the other pocket. Can't even tell i have anything in them.

I ride alot of remote areas, and I was Boy Scout, and now just paranoid, and hate to have to call people for help. Plus I'm kinda lazy, and hate walking.

So I like to have alot of stuff with me. My saddle bag is like a clown car: kinda small, but open it up and out comes two tubes, tire lever, multi-tool, spoke wrench, Presta-Schraeder valve adapter, Co2 inflator and 2 cartridges, stick-on patches, piece of a tire for a boot, 8mm open-end wrench for seat adjustment, back-up cash/ID, car key, and a couple of spare gels. No kidding.
Bike has bottle-mounted Topeak mini-pump.
Pockets hold cell phone, cash/ID/Insurance card/credit card, food for the ride and leaves room for arm/knee warmers/vest, etc. It bugs me to have over-filled/weighted down pockets.
It's just my system so I never forget any of this. I can get the bike ready to go just by adding full bottles, attaching the bike computer and adding a little air. Makes it easy to go on early rides...
I've used all of it at some point, and should probably have a chain-tool, too, but I just draw the line there.
#48
Senior Member
I ran a Unicorn farm for fairies eating rock dust. This qualifies my expert opinion and justifies me disagreeing with public policy in a number of countries around the world where helmets are mandatory.
EDIT sorry I meant to say MOON ROCK DUST
Last edited by Minion1; 07-28-11 at 01:06 AM. Reason: ommitted sarcasm.
#49
Senior Member
So, I bought a new trek 1.5. As it happens, you always buy a bike at least 10% more expensive than you can actually afford. As it is my first road bike I still lack many of the useful accessories as much as I lack money. All i have is a semi decent computer. I plan to get all these things in the next few months, but I have troubles figuring out which one should come first.
Here is the ranking the way I understand it, let me know if I am missing something or if you think the priority should be different.
1. saddle bag+mini pump+multi tool+patch kit+spare tube. This one is obvious, you cant go riding without it.
2. bottle cage + bottle. Unless the ride is shorter then 30 min i guess, which I dont plan mine to be.
3. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
4. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. Right now I have a lame old one, which still kinda works, but definitely needs a replacement.
4. clipless pedals + shoes. Initially i think i will settle with cheap platform pedals.
5. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
6. Jersey, hmm, maybe should be before shorts?
7. Something I am missing?
Let me know!
Here is the ranking the way I understand it, let me know if I am missing something or if you think the priority should be different.
1. saddle bag+mini pump+multi tool+patch kit+spare tube. This one is obvious, you cant go riding without it.
2. bottle cage + bottle. Unless the ride is shorter then 30 min i guess, which I dont plan mine to be.
3. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
4. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. Right now I have a lame old one, which still kinda works, but definitely needs a replacement.
4. clipless pedals + shoes. Initially i think i will settle with cheap platform pedals.
5. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
6. Jersey, hmm, maybe should be before shorts?
7. Something I am missing?
Let me know!
Helmet
bottle/cage (you can get one bottle and one cage first and figure out where you can get water from on your routes)
Repair kit and spare tyre
Chain oil - even 3 in one that you can get from the supermarket or hardware store, this one spends a penny to save a pound.
Shorts.
The rest will come as you find your level for enthusiasm for the sport. The more you like it, the more you'll spend, but shoes will probably come next on the list - they'll improve your riding experience the most, probably more than shorts, but aren't as necessary.
Just get out and have a good time, enjoy riding in some nice weather, and if the habit strikes then look at your kit again and go from there. If there would be a number 7, it would be have fun and pick the brains of other riders around you for advice.
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Re: Rank the purchases in terms of importance
Even if you fall and hit your head without a helmet and the fall doesn't kill you, or cause brain damage, or leave you unconscious, it will definitely hurt more than if you were wearing a helmet. I do not wear one when I commute 4 miles to school or work on low traffic roads but I do wear one when I go out for rides because I ride alone and I don't want to be unconscious and bleeding to death 30 miles from home with no one around to help.
I've noticed noobs don't realise how often tires need to be inflated. You will definitely need a decent pump with a gauge and you'll also want one to take with you in case you get a flat. I figured I could save some money by purchasing a frame pump which inflates up to 140psi. I use it at home and I take it with me in case I get a flat. It is my only pump and it still works great a year after I purchased it. It was $35 +tax and shipping, which might seem like a lot, but I did not have to buy 2 different pumps. Don't skimp on the pump.
Clipless pedals and shoes cost a lot of money, and in my opinion should be one of your final purchases because you will not want to skimp on them. However, I hope when you say you'll use platform pedals you mean with toe clips and straps. I would never ride a bike with just platforms, and toe clips and straps are too cheap to not use. I bought some from ebay for $10 after shipping. You can leave them loose to enable you to take your shoe out, and they will allow you to get a lot more power down quickly, and enable you to climb and descend more comfortably without worrying about your feet slipping off.
Must have:
• helmet
• good pump
• toe clips & straps
• bottles & cages
• tire levers & patch kit
Nice to have:
1. spare tubes
2. chain oil
3. jersey
4. shorts
5. cyclocomputer
6. clipless pedals & shoes
I've noticed noobs don't realise how often tires need to be inflated. You will definitely need a decent pump with a gauge and you'll also want one to take with you in case you get a flat. I figured I could save some money by purchasing a frame pump which inflates up to 140psi. I use it at home and I take it with me in case I get a flat. It is my only pump and it still works great a year after I purchased it. It was $35 +tax and shipping, which might seem like a lot, but I did not have to buy 2 different pumps. Don't skimp on the pump.
Clipless pedals and shoes cost a lot of money, and in my opinion should be one of your final purchases because you will not want to skimp on them. However, I hope when you say you'll use platform pedals you mean with toe clips and straps. I would never ride a bike with just platforms, and toe clips and straps are too cheap to not use. I bought some from ebay for $10 after shipping. You can leave them loose to enable you to take your shoe out, and they will allow you to get a lot more power down quickly, and enable you to climb and descend more comfortably without worrying about your feet slipping off.
Must have:
• helmet
• good pump
• toe clips & straps
• bottles & cages
• tire levers & patch kit
Nice to have:
1. spare tubes
2. chain oil
3. jersey
4. shorts
5. cyclocomputer
6. clipless pedals & shoes