Cyclists prepare for the wet seasons (all of them :-)

jdandi

As a new bicycle owner as of March of this year at the ripe old age of 34&3/4, I am in the market for some cycling kit and happen to come across some bargains to be had at Aldi, for beginners and novices like me.
I suppose you don't need to wear the gear for cycling either......

http://www.aldi.co.uk/special_buys/index.html
AVAILABLE FROM 28/09/06
24" Front Suspension Bike > each £ 79.99
Wall Mounted Bicycle Holder >each £ 6.99
Bike Light Set >per set £ 4.99
Armoured Bicycle Lock > £ 2.99
Winter Cycling Jacket >each £ 9.99
Winter Cycling Shirt >each £ 5.99
Winter Cycling Trousers > per pair £ 7.99
Unisex Waterproof Cycling Trousers >per pair £ 7.99
Unisex Cycling Thermal Underwear >each £ 8.99
Winter Cycling Gloves >per pair £ 2.99
Winter Cycling Overshoes >per pair £ 3.99
Winter Cycling Socks >per pair £ 1.99

I HOPE IT KITS ME OUT WITH DOUBLE OF EVERYTHING I NEED FOR JUST UNDER GBP50 !

ph166

nice 1 i need some waterproof trousers.

thanks

zackkilmer

cheers matey , i'm like you , just starting to get into biking so this will be ideal . Just need a cheap camelbak now.........

mateus

Good prices, but not great quality?
I would not expect it to last long at those prices!

If you are going to use it regularly you are better getting better quality kit.

NCW_2

Off the thread, I know but does anyone know a cheap place for cycle panniers? My daughter has started cycling to school and is a little wobbly with her big school bag on her back. I need the easy clip on type really and the cheapest I've found are around £40 for a pair plus £20 for a rack. I would be grateful for any help?
Thanks.

pollocmc

re pannier bags:

you just missed the last LIDL pannier sets. I bought the briefcase style pannier for 4.99 (I think) it clips on and off rack in seconds. Problem though is quality, the two web straps that hold the front down parted company with the base of the bag as essentially these take the load when you are using the carry handle. If you used the shoulder strap you wouldn't have much bother. Only other problem might be waterproofness but a poly-bag for books inside should cope with that. (not much help but it shows it pays to keep a look out!)

I've decided (now that I'm doing it kinda seriously) to upgrade and get an Ortlieb office bag but it is £70 although guaranteed for 5 year and 100%waterproof. If you are looking on ebay look for them or Altura another good brand.


Just be careful as some people obvioulsy bought the £5 ones from LIDL and are flogging them on ebay for £20 - you should be able to get better quality for that sort of money.

** edited by Board Guide to remove ebay links **

jdandi

As the posts have said quality may be an issue and I suppose it is a case of you get what you pay for - hence I did say novices and beginners.

mateus > please feel free to enlighten us on quality brands and expected prices for waterproof: jacket; trousers and overshoes
Also if you know a good place for getting a waterproof 'hat' to go over my helmet?

pollocmc > thanks for the panniers insight

I think I'll still go for the double buy but not use one in case of issues with the quality and sell it on ebay if they are not worthy :-)!

cheers
the novicyclist

Murtle

jdandi - I won't enlighten on brands as they are expensive, I buy them at £50 for a pair of shorts! However you don't need a waterproof hat to go over the helmet, you can get one to go under the helmet. My OH uses a little cap.

pollocmc

well you can't really go wrong with the thermals and the gloves/socks. I paid £30 for a pair of gloves just recently. THey did earn their keep when I couldn't get my cleats out of the pedals quickly enough and had that sinnking feeling as I keeled over. Skinned elbows and knees but hands were fine. Funny enough, it was in the car park at ALDIs just beside the trolleys. it gave all the old grannies a laugh anyway .

I'm going in for the thermals the socks and the overshoes and probably another pair of gloves. I hate being wet and having to sit in lectures all day so I'm splashing out (ho ho) on some better gear but I think for the average punter these are great.

pollocmc

jdandi wrote:

mateus > please feel free to enlighten us on quality brands and expected prices for waterproof: jacket; trousers and overshoes
Also if you know a good place for getting a waterproof 'hat' to go over my helmet?

Altura again for troosers and jackets - good deals again on ebay if you know your sizes (I find them a bit small - I'm 36" waist and 6'1" and have to get the XL overtrousers. but that's mainly coz I've got those big cyclist thighs to get them over!)

My advice if you progress to needing hard wearing equipment is to go into a good local bike shop and see what they have got and try things on. then nick home and check ebay! Although, I always make a point of buying some things in the shop without looking for alternatives as I like having a wee family run shop close by and if it's not much of a difference in price online, I'll support the shop. Bit old fashioned and not very moneysaving but there you go!

mateus

Chain Reaction Cycles or Wiggle are usually good places to start.