Advice needed on bike accessories

aaf

Hi guys,

I’m looking for some advice on a range of accessories. I’ve been checking out websites and reviews for weeks on end and it’s truly mindboggling! I am no closer to purchasing then when I first started. My budget is flexible and I may end up buying these accessories over time but I do want to purchase proper locks, mudguards and lights asap. I mainly use this bike for commuting about 2km into work every day in Dublin city centre. I originally bought bike with a view to actually hitting the hills but that hasn’t happened for a number of reasons yet. Any advice would be most welcome. I would prefer to purchase online so if anyone has discount codes for wiggle or CRC or anywhere else, please let me know. I will be first time buyer on those websites if there is a discount code for that.

Here’s the Cube Ltd Comp 2010 bike I own: http://www.benwake.com/home/my-cube-ltd-comp-2010-black-anodized/
1. Locks – Will probably get the Kryptonite New York 3000 U Lock (the mini lock is just too small). I was thinking of also purchasing the Abus Granit Stell O Flex 1000 100cm Cable bike lock. I would also like another long cable lock to secure seat and if on a quick stop, wheels.
2. Mudguards – I hear SKS and Crud are the brands to go for although I have no clue what to buy.
3. Lights – I’ve been looking at the Blackburn Flea lights or maybe the Smart 1 or 2 W leds
4. Gloves – Thinking of the winter here so something waterproof and windproof. Might grab some inner gloves or fingerless gloves for autumn/spring
5. Pump – I have a cheap old scholl pump but the valve broke after 3rd use. I would be looking to get a small pump and to mount it on the bike
6. Spare tube – not an essential but nice to have but I don’t know what type/size I should be looking at
7. Decent puncture repair kit
8. Overshoes – I usually cycle into work in my work clothes as it’s not that far but I can still get soaked in that 10-15 min so I’m looking for some overshoes. I don’t have bike shoes (SPDs?)
9. Bigger winter jacket or coat - I have a light breathable Altura jacket and waterproof trousers but need a warmer/bigger jacket for winter
I will also need a helmet but I’ll look into that one myself.

All advice welcome.

jinkypolly

I have a great wee pump for the bike, the Lezyne Pressure Drive Mini Pump Small. I think I got it on Wiggle and it's a sturdy very well designed pump. Works on Presta and Schrader valves.
I would recommend getting a floor pump to achieve the pressures you'll never get with a hand pump. This one is excellent 'Topeak Joe Blow Sport II Track Pump', http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-joe-blow-sport-ii-track-pump/.

Civilian_Target

+1 on the floor pump. Small pumps are a pain to use, and it's impossible to know if you've got the right pressure. A good alternative to a floor pump is to always take the schrader values (like the ones on cars) and let the local petrol station do the pumping.

I'd also highly suggest the mini-lock. They're lighter to carry, and not having much space in the lock is a great security feature - not only is it harder to jack open, but it encourages you to actually think when you're parking your bike.

aaf

Cheers guys, I'll check that pump out. I'll also reconsider the mini lock

GeneralLeeBike

I've do a lot of cycling and recently picked up a saddle bag in Halfords. Its big enough to hold a puncture repair kit,mini tools and pump,and a roll of duct tape.
As for other accessories...
Id suggest a bag carrier and bottle cage (mine mounts to the handlebars,but the frame mounted ones work just as well). I've bought most of my accessories off amazon.com as you can usually get a discount and free shipping when you spend a certain amount.

kincsem

Gloves. Expensive but worth it imo.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sealskinz-winter-handle-bar-mitten/

Saddle Bag. Go for the large Strap On.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7361

+2 on the track pump.

smacl

+3 on the track pump, I've also got the Joe Blow II which works well. For the winter, I've a small under helmet hat which is great, and arm and leg warmers which can come on and off as required. I tend to use the waterproof gilet as much as the jacket, particularly if hitting the hills where sweat can be an issue. For your list of online sources, I'd add bike24.com to the list, as recently putting shopping lists into them, Wiggle and CRC they've come out a fair bit cheaper.

Spare tubes are more than just a nicety for the winter, as fixing a puncture in the rain on a cold day is no fun. Buy a few of them, they're cheap.

Lumen

The Blackburn Flea lights I bought went in the bin. Complete crap.

donal2000

Mudguards - whatever you do don't waste your money on SKS Bluemels. Mine fell apart after a few weeks.

From what I hear SKS Chromoplastic are what you want to be buying:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25793