Rank the purchases in terms of importance
#1
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Rank the purchases in terms of importance
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!
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saddle bag + spare/pump/tools, home floor pump, water bottle + cage, helmet, clipless pedals + shoes, jersey, shorts/bibs, gloves, chain lube, cycling computer, in that order.
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These are not options; they are all necessities if you are going to do longer rides as you indicated (except the computer). Take out a loan.
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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!
You need a bottle cage and bottle. You will get thirsty. The wire ones and plastic bottles are not expensive.
You can skip clipless pedals for now, just stick with the platforms and save up.
Get a pair of shorts, they make a difference.
Chain lube - well, you can do old school and use a small amount of motor oil.
You could use your new mini pump instead of a dedicated one, but it will be a pain.
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I think you have it about right. Do yourself a favour if you are on a budget and learn to patch repair rather than change tubes every time. I see people throwing money away because they wont patch because "they will come off". They spend $10 per puncture, i spend 10c and no - they never come off - also its quicker and you look like a cyclist not a noob
You dont metion a helmet. This should come above all else. I wrote my Allez off this weekend through no fault of my own and I would be dead if it wasnt for my helmet.
You dont metion a helmet. This should come above all else. I wrote my Allez off this weekend through no fault of my own and I would be dead if it wasnt for my helmet.
#6
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Based on my forty years experience,I see no use for shorts, bibs, jersey, clipless pedals (making special shoes optional)or computer. Other than that you've got it nailed.
Marc
Marc
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LBS charge a lot for saddlebags. If you get a jersey you can stick that stuff in the pockets. And honestly, you can always walk home. Especially since you don't have clipless pedals...
For safety reasons, consider the following as necessities:
1) Helmet
2) Water
and, with all due props to Marc for being a 'hard ass'
I would not want to ride more than 10 minutes without bike shorts.
So, basically, I think you need a Helmet, a water source, and bike shorts. And if you want to ride again tomorrow you'll need a pump. (Do what I did and borrow your friend's)
For safety reasons, consider the following as necessities:
1) Helmet
2) Water
and, with all due props to Marc for being a 'hard ass'

So, basically, I think you need a Helmet, a water source, and bike shorts. And if you want to ride again tomorrow you'll need a pump. (Do what I did and borrow your friend's)
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Buy puncture resistant tires, ensure they are properly inflated for your weight. (NOT max pressure unless you are a very heavy rider-- read Sheldon Brown's site.) I never carry tubes, patches, inflators or pumps. I never walk. Yes, a Continental GP4000 is very expensive, but YES there are durable tires available for less. They just aren't as light/fast/grippy/uber but they'll work fine.
If your bike came with puncture resistant tires, bonus! Mine did-- Schwalbe Lugano.
I agree that cycling computer is the lowest priority. If you have an android or apple smartphone you can probably use a training app to log your workout duration, path, speed, etc. At any rate you don't need instantaneous speed, heart rate or cadence as a starting rider.
Bicycle pump at home is your #1 priority. You've got to check your air pressure before every ride. It takes 60 seconds or less.
Don't be afraid to shop for deals online. HOWEVER-- do not go to the LBS and get info, then walk out and buy on Amazon. That is a bullsht move for accessories. (For a whole bike, if you can save hundreds or more.. well, then.) It's the right thing to do to either use the LBS' time & expertise and buy from them, or to not waste their time and instead research here and other online sources if you're going to buy online.
If your bike came with puncture resistant tires, bonus! Mine did-- Schwalbe Lugano.
I agree that cycling computer is the lowest priority. If you have an android or apple smartphone you can probably use a training app to log your workout duration, path, speed, etc. At any rate you don't need instantaneous speed, heart rate or cadence as a starting rider.
Bicycle pump at home is your #1 priority. You've got to check your air pressure before every ride. It takes 60 seconds or less.
Don't be afraid to shop for deals online. HOWEVER-- do not go to the LBS and get info, then walk out and buy on Amazon. That is a bullsht move for accessories. (For a whole bike, if you can save hundreds or more.. well, then.) It's the right thing to do to either use the LBS' time & expertise and buy from them, or to not waste their time and instead research here and other online sources if you're going to buy online.
#9
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BF approved list:
HTFU?
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.
1. bottle cage + bottle. Unless the ride is shorter then 30 min i guess, which I dont plan mine to be.
1. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
1. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. Right now I have a lame old one, which still kinda works, but definitely needs a replacement.
1. clipless pedals + shoes. Initially i think i will settle with cheap platform pedals.
1. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
1. Jersey, hmm, maybe should be before shorts?
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.
1. bottle cage + bottle. Unless the ride is shorter then 30 min i guess, which I dont plan mine to be.
1. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
1. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. Right now I have a lame old one, which still kinda works, but definitely needs a replacement.
1. clipless pedals + shoes. Initially i think i will settle with cheap platform pedals.
1. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
1. Jersey, hmm, maybe should be before shorts?
HTFU?
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LBS charge a lot for saddlebags. If you get a jersey you can stick that stuff in the pockets. And honestly, you can always walk home. Especially since you don't have clipless pedals...
For safety reasons, consider the following as necessities:
1) Helmet
2) Water
3) Cell Phone
For safety reasons, consider the following as necessities:
1) Helmet
2) Water
3) Cell Phone
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All you need is a bike and a healthy dose of HTFU! Everything else is just to make the ride safer or more convenient. The importance of these other accoutrements are based on individual needs and comfort or to which breakdown you are most paranoid.
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Well you do need a helmet... everything else is gravy.
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You can talk about it when you took care of people with head injuries after bike accidents. Do you wear shoes? there are many cultures and people for centuries who don't wear shoes... what kind of argument is that nobody wore them 20 years ago... sheesh.
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I sure hope you're trolling. If not...
Statistically the odds of an accident/crash with head impact are low, yes I agree. However the SEVERITY of head trauma in such an accident is very high. We're not talking roadrash on your hands and legs, this is life-changing stuff.
Will I crash today? Let's say less than 1% chance. If I crash and hit my head, what is the chance of brain trauma or death? With helmet, again less than 1%. Without-- um, easily 20%. Many, many times higher.
Bicycle, motorcycle, dirtbike, skateboard, whatever-- wear a helmet. If you don't give a damn about your brain, it's likely that one of your family members does.
Statistically the odds of an accident/crash with head impact are low, yes I agree. However the SEVERITY of head trauma in such an accident is very high. We're not talking roadrash on your hands and legs, this is life-changing stuff.
Will I crash today? Let's say less than 1% chance. If I crash and hit my head, what is the chance of brain trauma or death? With helmet, again less than 1%. Without-- um, easily 20%. Many, many times higher.
Bicycle, motorcycle, dirtbike, skateboard, whatever-- wear a helmet. If you don't give a damn about your brain, it's likely that one of your family members does.
#16
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I tried a pair similar to these years ago. While not as good as clipless, they are a big improvement over bare platform pedals.
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You should buy all this stuff at once. Get a minimum of two spares, and tire levers.
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. (Always get a bottle, hydration is so important even if your ride is 30 minutes. I have a 20 minute commute and drink about 400 ml)
3. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
4. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. (One of the most important things I bought)
5. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
clipless pedals + shoes then Jersey is last.
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. (Always get a bottle, hydration is so important even if your ride is 30 minutes. I have a 20 minute commute and drink about 400 ml)
3. Chain lube, etc for cleaning and keeping the bike in shape after a ride.
4. Decent pump at home, with pressure gauge. (One of the most important things I bought)
5. Shorts, maybe with bibs.
clipless pedals + shoes then Jersey is last.
#20
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ColinL, I am not trolling. Where helmets have been made mandatory they have not resulted in the expected reduction in injury. They are a triumph of marketing, because it seems obvious that "something is better than nothing". But it ain't necessarily so. It isn't just a matter of it being unlikely that I'll hit my head, it is that bike helmets as currently designed may be very poor at preventing serious brain injury.
Anyway, this is peripheral to the thread. If you want to debate it I'd suggest the "helmets cramp my style" thread in advocacy and safety. I only mentioned it because I get tired of people asserting that "you need a helmet" when they haven't a clue about the data.
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You gotta differentiate between nice-to-have and must-have.
everyone has their own list.
Basically, screw the HTFU attitude, get what you need to make yourself comfortable and independent on a long ride. Everybody gets to define comfort and independence to suit their own tastes.
I could tell you what's on my list, but I'm not you and it probably isn't relavent.
If you need something and you don't have it, you will have experience so you can make these decisions yourself in the future.
For me, the must haves are helmet, water, tire repair, shoes/cleats/pedals (couldn't help myself!)
for chain lube, mix 4 parts oderless mineral spirits with 1 part synthetic motor oil.
-edit- also, shorts
everyone has their own list.
Basically, screw the HTFU attitude, get what you need to make yourself comfortable and independent on a long ride. Everybody gets to define comfort and independence to suit their own tastes.
I could tell you what's on my list, but I'm not you and it probably isn't relavent.
If you need something and you don't have it, you will have experience so you can make these decisions yourself in the future.
For me, the must haves are helmet, water, tire repair, shoes/cleats/pedals (couldn't help myself!)
for chain lube, mix 4 parts oderless mineral spirits with 1 part synthetic motor oil.
-edit- also, shorts
Last edited by tanguy frame; 07-27-11 at 02:54 PM. Reason: forgot 1 item
#22
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You miss the point. The point is that when nobody wore them, people didn't get head injuries more than they do now. Therefore, helmets don't seem to have made us more safe.
ColinL, I am not trolling. Where helmets have been made mandatory they have not resulted in the expected reduction in injury. They are a triumph of marketing, because it seems obvious that "something is better than nothing". But it ain't necessarily so. It isn't just a matter of it being unlikely that I'll hit my head, it is that bike helmets as currently designed may be very poor at preventing serious brain injury.
Anyway, this is peripheral to the thread. If you want to debate it I'd suggest the "helmets cramp my style" thread in advocacy and safety. I only mentioned it because I get tired of people asserting that "you need a helmet" when they haven't a clue about the data.
ColinL, I am not trolling. Where helmets have been made mandatory they have not resulted in the expected reduction in injury. They are a triumph of marketing, because it seems obvious that "something is better than nothing". But it ain't necessarily so. It isn't just a matter of it being unlikely that I'll hit my head, it is that bike helmets as currently designed may be very poor at preventing serious brain injury.
Anyway, this is peripheral to the thread. If you want to debate it I'd suggest the "helmets cramp my style" thread in advocacy and safety. I only mentioned it because I get tired of people asserting that "you need a helmet" when they haven't a clue about the data.
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Who cares about the data when it's your head or your loved-one's head. Sure, a helmet is not going to make you fall or get hit by a car, but when you do have an injury, they can prevent a devastating injury to the head... Like I said, when you do a craniotomy on someone when had a bad head injury for not wearing a helmet, give me a call... otherwise you are just blowing smoke... "clue about the data?" gimme a break.
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Not gonna bother to go to the referenced thread-- been through this debate before with motorcyclists. (I might be new here, but I'm not new to forums by any means.)
It's an utterly pointless debate. You want your freedom, your appearance and style, and you underestimate or devalue the risks. Odds are overwhelming that nothing will happen to you. But it's not a risk I would suggest anyone to take.
It's an utterly pointless debate. You want your freedom, your appearance and style, and you underestimate or devalue the risks. Odds are overwhelming that nothing will happen to you. But it's not a risk I would suggest anyone to take.
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Not gonna bother to go to the referenced thread-- been through this debate before with motorcyclists. (I might be new here, but I'm not new to forums by any means.)
It's an utterly pointless debate. You want your freedom, your appearance and style, and you underestimate or devalue the risks. Odds are overwhelming that nothing will happen to you. But it's not a risk I would suggest anyone to take.
It's an utterly pointless debate. You want your freedom, your appearance and style, and you underestimate or devalue the risks. Odds are overwhelming that nothing will happen to you. But it's not a risk I would suggest anyone to take.