NCcyclist88

Hi Everyone,

I have been a commuting cyclist for well over three years now, but am just getting into longer road rides (15-35 miles) in the past few months. I am finding that there is a lot of gear that may be advantageous for my rides, and am interested in investing in some. However, being a graduate student places a very strict restraint on my budget. Can anyone recommend priority as far as which gear might be the most useful to have earlier than others? Currently, I have my road bike and a helmet, but to give some idea of other items I am considering purchasing here is a list:
1) underneath the seat saddle bag for a few maintenance items and a carry along snack
2) clipless pedals/cleats
3) bib shorts
4) jersey(s)

I am open to any other high priority suggestions, and also to any specific brands or products that anyone wants to recommend. I greatly appreciate any feedback as I begin my journey into serious road cycling!

pdedes

in order: floor pump, multitool, frame/minipump, clothing that allows riding from -10C to 30+ C, common cycling tools, workstand.

Homebrew01

In order.

1) 2 spare tubes and a method to pump them up is a priority. Can't ride if you have a flat
2) I swear by clipless pedals/shoes, as do most on this forum. But a small subset doesn't like them. They help keep your foot correctly placed and prevent slipping off the pedal. You get a bit more power when climbing steep hills and sprinting. Personal preference.
3) Many like bibs, but I prefer shorts
4) Jerseys are good. The pockets are handy.

bbattle

A saddle bag is very useful when riding out in the country although some people say they carry all their stuff in their jersey pockets. Plenty of threads on saddle bags, there was a pretty recent one. I have a Topeak that is just big enough for a tube, patch kit, tire levers, a few hex wrenches, emergency cash and my keys. You can get even smaller ones or great big ones but mine hides under the saddle and has a fabric tab that I can clip my red blinky light onto.

I highly recommend clipless pedals; the Shimano SPD-SL work for me. I have the 105 ones. Whatever shoe fits you best is what I recommend. Lots of threads on clipless pedals. It's a matter of choice and LOTS of opinions on this subject, too.

I prefer bib shorts; they are more comfortable. As a starving grad. student, you can delay this purchase or get them for Christmas or birthday. Just get some regular cycling shorts first. I rode for years with them until I saw the light and got bibs.

Definitely get a jersey as they wick sweat away and the pockets in the back are so useful. Start off with a cheap one and work your way up as necessary. I buy full zipper ones.

thump55

A saddle bag and cheaper tech T-shirts is a much cheaper way to go than jerseys.

Get comfy (you can't ride if you're not), so if you need shorts/bibs, get them.

Clipless are better than platforms, but not a necessity right away.

PhotoJoe 

Agree with most here. Tube, inflation, tools. The "call of shame" sucks, and you should be prepared to fix at least the basics on the road.

Next, for me, would be shorts/bibs. I prefer bibs, but have both. The first long day in the saddle without them will tell you why you want them. OUCH! There are a ton of places to get them cheap. In this area, like most, you get what you pay for. With that said, there are places to save some money. Watch Chainlove.com: One Industries Atom Helmet - $39.99 - 76% off. Google any product you want to buy to double check pricing. Sometimes, it's really good, other times, not so much.

Enjoy the ride!

milkbaby

I think the number one priority would be roadside repair kit (spare tube, minipump/framepump, tire levers, multitool, self-adhesive tube patches for when your spare tube blows too) and way to carry it whether that's in your pockets or a saddlebag. The only brand I'm going to specifically recommend are Pedros tire levers as they seem to be much tougher and durable than any other levers with the possible exception of metal ones, which I don't like because they can scratch up your rim.

pavemen

Here is my simple priority list:

Safety - helmet, gloves, glasses, hydration, lighting
Self-sufficiency - tube, inflation, patch kit, spoons and simple multi-tool
Comfort - shorts or bib, jersey, saddlebag, nicer glasses/gloves/helmet (by nicer I mean more padding, better quality, better ventilation, etc)
Performance - clipless pedals and shoes, reduced weight items

Avoid labeled jerseys, no need to pay a premium to advertise for a company if you are worried about cost. Supporting a LBS or charity event is another thing though.

Proxer

By your post I'm assuming you have the basics for riding a bike (safety / tools / repair kit). If not, you need to make sure you have them first and foremost. I'd say you're on the right track of what else you should get if you're getting into long rides, though you really should look at getting clipless pedals and shoes, bibs (and chamois cream), and a jersey all at the same time. A single, high-quality, jersey and bib shorts will last thousands of kilometres, and hang dry really fast between rides and washes.

-clipless pedals and shoes
-you will see a significant improvement in efficiency, meaning you can do longer rides and have more fun!
-mountain SPD might be the way to go as a commuter if you want to wear shoes that also have a tread and are decent to walk around in
-bib shorts
-great comfort improvement over regular bike shorts
-keeps everything snug and doesn't shift at all
-jersey
-made to be worn in the bent-over position of riding a bike
-snug, wont flap around
-has a zipper for hot rides
-has pockets that will eliminate the need for a saddle bag
-chamois cream
-will keep you cool and eliminate friction
-lower the chance of getting saddle sores

If you are maxing out your long rides at a couple hours, you can fit your food and repair kit in the jersey without a problem. Gatorade (with carbs) in one bottle, and a banana in the pocket is sufficient to fuel the ride. If you're going longer than that, then a saddle bag is handy for holding bulky repair items that will free up space for fuel in your pockets. Lezyne makes a great little saddle bag to store and keep your repair kit organized.

carpediemracing 

Where are you (what area) and what kind of bike do you have (wheel size, tire width)?

Machka 

1. Good saddle.
2. Good quality rain jacket.
3. Roadside repair kit.

If you don't have the cash right now, you can get away with comfortable yet inexpensive shorts, platform pedals or toe clips, wicking-T shirts and/or thrift store wool pullovers, and under the seat bags from Canadian Tire, Big-W, K-Mart or Walmart.

Then pick up bits and pieces as they go on sale.

NCcyclist88

I am in central North Carolina and have a Vilano bike with 700x25c wheels.

bruce19

IMO opinion the best thing you can start with are a good pair of bibs or shorts. I've learned this the hard way, but if I had it to do over again I'd save up and find a pair of Assos bibs on sale. If I had done that I would have actually saved money and been happier.

carpediemracing 

Click on "Contact Event" at the following site (it's a past event but it emails me):
https://www.bikereg.com/2014-bethel-...r-sport-center

I should be able to send you at least a bag, maybe more, but we can discuss off line.