Cycling to Work any tips / stuff to buy

sebdangerfield

Overshoes are good but I prefer waterproof socks. They're just easier than messing about with overshoes. The only ones I've found to be fully waterproof are sealskins. I've got two pairs now, regular and merino wool for the winter. Great bits of kit!

rmiller

padded shorts definitly!

look into getting a combination tool...one where you can get all tools in one. I have found it really useful.

have fun..I just started cycling to work and have cut my commute in half! :j

Mids_Costcutter

SapKnight wrote: »

Will get some new tyres and a set of inner tubes, don't fancy fixing a puncture with everyone watching lol.

I would recommend Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus tyres which have a Kevlar band built in. No guarantee against a puncture but haven't had one since I started using on my daily commute over 3 years ago.

Keith

Shorts & t-shirt. Works for me, felt a tad chilly this morning but have cycled from March to Sept in various combinations of the same.

sickofusernames

I think MaxHeadRoom has pretty much covered it all apart from getting a chain whip, a cycle tool which could double as a nice protection weapon - you can't be too careful nowadays. I wouldn't want to be hit around the face with one that's for sure!

Here's a nice one -

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/38/53a2/ice-toolz-chain-whip---freewheel-turner.html

sickparrot

You're going to need some longer term servicing items too if you're going to commute regularly, its amazing how quickly a bottom bracket or drivetrain can get trashed with regular winter use. Get some oils and greases, a proper tool kit (the LIDL one is great when that comes up for sale) and some cleaning/degreasing products.

Hammyman

alexlyne wrote: »

(ps, went to germany for the lights, as the main ones over here are by cat-eye, and their datasheets suggest that on the sub-£40 lights the beam-width is very narrow, so you only see a spot in front of you..

TBH its not an issue as ambient lighting is enough and unless you live in a very sparsely populated county like mine, are intent on riding 10 miles from the nearest town down unlit country lanes with no moon then you can see.

Radshire

Sickparrot has it right,
A bike takes a real hammering over the winter months (if you are dedicated and acutally use it in all weathers).
Buy yourself some Muck-off bike cleaner (not the cheaper equivs) and a proper chain and cassette degreaser. If you have spare cash, buy a proper chain scrubber (the one that fits on the top of the degreaser aerosol can and clamps four brushes over the chain). A clean bike is an efficient bike. Remember to clean it regularly and don't use a hose / pressure washer. Sounds silly as it's so easy when you do, but if you're washing your bike a lot, every moving part will constantly be blasted with water which, in turn accelerates corrosion. You'll end up going through loads of bottom brackets / headsets / wheels if you do.

You'll also need a puncture repair kit. Most cycle shops sell these along with multi-tools (which should include tyre leavers) etc. A saddle bag is also a useful place to store things. If you have an old tyre, cut out a section and stick it in your mobile repair kit. There's nothing worse than splitting a tyre and not having any way to make it home but on foot.

If you're commuting and have a train in the middle, there's nothing stopping you buying two bikes on the bike for work scheme (if you're employer is a part of the scheme). As a member already, I would highly recommend it. If you set a budget for your bike(s), then join the scheme, you'll get a much better bike for the same money.

For cyclewear, try Decathlon (but don't buy you're bike from there). They are cheap and cheerful and have everything a new commuter could want under one roof. Cycle glasses are always a must for me too.

When you get to work and need a shower, I can recommend that you buy towels from Ikea. They are about £2 each and mean that you're not worried about using your nice home linen.

One last tip. If you want something to clean your bike quickly (or when you can't be bothered) the value baby wipes from Wilkinsons are brilliant. I would never use them on a baby's bottom, but they don't half cut through bike grease and road grime in no time....

Strider590

Radshire wrote: »

You'll also need a puncture repair kit. Most cycle shops sell these along with multi-tools (which should include tyre leavers) etc. A saddle bag is also a useful place to store things. If you have an old tyre, cut out a section and stick it in your mobile repair kit. There's nothing worse than splitting a tyre and not having any way to make it home but on foot.

Buy a puncture repair kit, but leave it at home.... Carrying a spare inner tube is far quicker and far more efficient than trying to find a pin !!!!! on a dark winter morning and then glueing a patch to it (and waiting for it to set). I can change an inner tube and be on my way (on a quick release wheel) in less than 2 minutes.

Carry the tyre keys and the little chunk of chalky stuff though (from the repair kit), you'll need this (powdered) to lubricate the tube+tyre before putting the new tube in, else you'll have a nightmare lining up the valve and the tyre won't inflate evenly.

Obviously a mini bike pump would be a good idea, the standard cheapo pumps for road bikes are pretty useless.

Never ever had a split tyre, i've "pinched" a few by running low tyre pressure's..... Always make sure your tyre's are ok before setting off.

And on the subject of tyres, keep an eye on what your riding over, remember you don't have to follow the cycle path's. Around here they're often full of bits of rubbish, glass, nails etc which have been swept aside by hundreds of cars passing by.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Chain cleaners remove the lubricant from the rollers, increasing wear and shortening the life of the entire drivetrain. They are a waste of money and do much more harm than good. The best way to clean a chain is with a diesel-soaked rag, just pull it through, and once done re-oil it.

Anyone reading this thread hoping to start cycling would be excused for being frightened to death. In truth, you need a half-decent bike, a spare inner tube and pump, a couple of items of cycle clothing, and some lights. Add a bottle of oil left at home, and the rest is just overkill, especially for a 2-mile ride each way. The rest you'll discover along the way.