Road cycling essential equipment for a beginner

Colash

Hi all . Just wondering what is essential ? I know a helmet is a must. And things like a speedo or mudgards are a user Option . I'm wondering about clothes ? Shoes ? Things like that . I wouldn't know where to start .

ozzy jr

SPD Shoes, overshoes (for cold and wet weather), gloves, padded shorts, top with rear pockets.

Colash

ozzy jr wrote: »

SPD Shoes, overshoes (for cold and wet weather), gloves, padded shorts, top with rear pockets.

Do I need SPD pedals for these shoes ?

ozzy jr

Colash wrote: »

Do I need SPD pedals for these shoes ?

Yep.

Tonyandthewhale

Colash wrote: »

Hi all . Just wondering what is essential ? I know a helmet is a must. And things like a speedo or mudgards are a user Option . I'm wondering about clothes ? Shoes ? Things like that . I wouldn't know where to start .

A helmet is not a must (although it's a good idea to have one as you'll need it if you want to take part in races and events).

You will need lights though
And a decent U-lock if you're going to use your bike to commute
A track pump for at home
A spare tube, tyre levers and mini pump or CO2 cannister for on the bike is a definite must to be carried at all times.
A good pair of bib shorts will also do wonders to your comfort
Clipless pedals (SPD for instance) and matching shoes are also a good idea.
Mudguards are great too unless you're a total fair-weather cyclist

daragh_

Colash

daragh_ wrote: »

Really ???

Colash

I'm hearing alot about gator skin tyres ? To avoid punctures

daragh_

Colash wrote: »

Really ???

Yes, Really.

Lumen

daragh_ wrote: »

Yes, Really.

Chamois cream is totally unnecessary for many people and is therefore not "essential".

I haven't used it in years, even doing up to 500km a week.

daragh_

Lumen wrote: »

Chamois cream is totally unnecessary for many people and is therefore not "essential".

I haven't used it in years, even doing up to 500km a week.

Fair enough. OP - YMMV.

I use it a lot, if I don't I end up with a sore backside. Therefore I find it essential, hence my post.

Lumen

daragh_ wrote: »

I use it a lot, if I don't I end up with a sore backside

It's OK to admit that you just like smearing cream on your undercarriage.

daragh_

I prefer the term 'slather' thank you.

twaimkit

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

A helmet is not a must (although it's a good idea to have one as you'll need it if you want to take part in races and events).

You will need lights though
And a decent U-lock if you're going to use your bike to commute
A track pump for at home
A spare tube, tyre levers and mini pump or CO2 cannister for on the bike is a definite must to be carried at all times.
A good pair of bib shorts will also do wonders to your comfort
Clipless pedals (SPD for instance) and matching shoes are also a good idea.
Mudguards are great too unless you're a total fair-weather cyclist

+1 for the track pump. A neccessity to get the proper pressure into the tyres.I'd been riding on tyres with inadequate pressure before I got the present of a track pumb and wouldnt ne without one.And it knocks time off as well if your tyres are
Pumped up correctly.

augustus gloop

pick up a rules of the road manual. they apply to cyclists too, this concept is forgotten by alot of the idiots cycling in Dublin at present

2011abc

Look (Keo) pedals a more popular choice than SPDs?

2011abc

augustus gloop wrote: »

pick up a rules of the road manual. they apply to cyclists too, this concept is forgotten by alot of the idiots cycling in Dublin at present

Seriously , are you a non cycling troll or one of the tree hugging cyclists that occasionally appear round here?

chester3455

Dont forget bottles and bottle cages for cycles over 20km and sunglasses are useful although not essential.

Colash

twaimkit wrote: »

+1 for the track pump. A neccessity to get the proper pressure into the tyres.I'd been riding on tyres with inadequate pressure before I got the present of a track pumb and wouldnt ne without one.And it knocks time off as well if your tyres are
Pumped up correctly.

I take it the small travel pumps that clip on the bike frame are a waste of time ?? Are track pumps the larger ones that have a plunger like a bugs bunny cartoon bomb detonator ,???? Lol

billyhead

Colash wrote: »

I take it the small travel pumps that clip on the bike frame are a waste of time ?? Are track pumps the larger ones that have a plunger like a bugs bunny cartoon bomb detonator ,???? Lol

You will need a mini pump to bring with you on your spins. It will fit into the rear pocket of your cycling top/jersey

tbernie07

What level should tyres be pumped to?

LiamOSullivan

Colash wrote: »

I'm hearing alot about gator skin tyres ? To avoid punctures

Not had a puncture with them yet, and I've been on them two months.
The only trouble I've had is that they're a bit slippy in wet weather, and absolutely terrifying if there's any ice. There might be something more suitedr to the Irish conditions out there, but gatorskins are a pretty decent one to settle on.

billyhead

tbernie07 wrote: »

What level should tyres be pumped to?

Between 100 to 110 psi is the norm

twaimkit

billyhead wrote: »

You will need a mini pump to bring with you on your spins. It will fit into the rear pocket of your cycling top/jersey

definetly the track pump doesnt take away from the need for a mini-pump or c02 cannister although i havent used a co2 yet so dontknow how easy they are to use.

tbernie07 wrote: »

What level should tyres be pumped to?

I found the recommended psi on the side of the tyre and usually up to 110-118 psi.

Colash wrote: »

I take it the small travel pumps that clip on the bike frame are a waste of time ?? Are track pumps the larger ones that have a plunger like a bugs bunny cartoon bomb detonator ,???? Lol

Yes the track pump are the bugs bunny bomb detonator lookalike

ABEasy

Colash wrote: »

Are track pumps the larger ones that have a plunger like a bugs bunny cartoon bomb detonator ,???? Lol

More like road runner ones tbh...

Colash

twaimkit wrote: »

definetly the track pump doesnt take away from the need for a mini-pump or c02 cannister although i havent used a co2 yet so dontknow how easy they are to use.



I found the recommended psi on the side of the tyre and usually up to 110-118 psi.



Yes the track pump are the bugs bunny bomb detonator lookalike

Haha thanks mate

Captain Havoc

augustus gloop wrote: »

pick up a rules of the road manual. they apply to cyclists too, this concept is forgotten by alot of the idiots cycling in Dublin at present

Go troll another website.

Cookie_Monster

a bike is pretty essential

a decent pair of shades is also a must IMO

augustus gloop

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Go troll another website.

then you give me a bullchit warning? i am sincerely advising the OP, why should that infuriate anyone? get real

petethedrummer

Cycling shorts* and a non-cotton sports top(s) are all the clothes you absolutely need to go cycling.

*wear them under other shorts if you're not ready for the sexy lycra look.

A multi-tool, tyre levers, mini-pump and puncture repair kit are the essential equipment.

Have a track pump at home and pump your tyres properly before leaving.

dave_o_brien

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Go troll another website.

I dunno, I think it's reasonable advice maybe worded in an odd manner. The best thing a cyclist can do for their own safety and enjoyment on the road is know the rules, know their responsibilities, and know their rights. You know, puncture resistant tyres make me lazy, but knowledge makes me powerful and all that.

Having said that, if it was meant in a "damn cyclist, know your place!" manner then, OP, you place is rightfully in the centre of the left lane, not in the gutter, and cycle lanes are discretionary, not compulsory. If a driver has a problem, you can then suggest to them they have an ol' peruse of the rules of the road themselves*.

*The rules of the road in this context is meant to represent the laws regarding road use, not the rotr as extolled by Gay Byrne and his clap-happy bunch of misinformed, jumped up, tidy towns-esque, eejits.

cjt156

dave_o_brien wrote: »

I dunno, I think it's reasonable advice maybe worded in an odd manner.

True, plus the portly young chap stuck in a chocolate chute refers to

idiot cyclists

I'd expand on that and say it applies to idiot motorists and idiot peds too!

dave_o_brien

cjt156 wrote: »

True, plus the portly young chap stuck in a chocolate chute refers to

I'd expand on that and say it applies to idiot motorists and idiot peds too!

So we're agreed? Idiots are whack, yo.

Konkers

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Go troll another website.

Sorry just noticed the yellow card for the first time. Nice touch.

greenmat

I know your looking for equipment advice but the best thing you can do as a beginner is to join a cycling club. This will bring on your fitness, knowledge and enjoyment of the sport so much quicker. Most clubs have spins to suit all levels.

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Home/Club-List.aspx

Colash

greenmat wrote: »

I know your looking for equipment advice but the best thing you can do as a beginner is to join a cycling club. This will bring on your fitness, knowledge and enjoyment of the sport so much quicker. Most clubs have spins to suit all levels.

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Home/Club-List.aspx

Thanks for that . The curlew wheelers would be my local club so I will join them , I was looking for just general advice. Heading out with the laser card today to pick up some stuff . Thanks lads

Colash

I just found out today that padded shorts are a must 35km an I'm In bits

t'bear

Make sure you are sitting correctly and the fit is ok, yes newbies will get sore arses initially but padded shorts wont hold all you upper body weight unless your sit bones are taking the weight, google around a bit 'sit bones' - unless these are being used to take the weight then cycling wont be fun :-)

kerry4sam

t'bear wrote: »

Make sure you are sitting correctly and the fit is ok, yes newbies will get sore arses initially but padded shorts wont hold all you upper body weight unless your sit bones are taking the weight, google around a bit 'sit bones' - unless these are being used to take the weight then cycling wont be fun :-)

When I started out people kept telling me that I'd feel the long distances for some time until I settle in, but I never did feel any pain. I never felt the pain people told me I'd feel when on my racer & to this day, never have! Pure luck I guess as I never done research on 'sit-bones' or any research really - just bought my racer & gear and hit the road peddling

Colash

kerry4sam wrote: »

When I started out people kept telling me that I'd feel the long distances for some time until I settle in, but I never did feel any pain. I never felt the pain people told me I'd feel when on my racer & to this day, never have! Pure luck I guess as I never done research on 'sit-bones' or any research really - just bought my racer & gear and hit the road peddling

There's a possibility the bike need slight adjustment on saddle level an post height etc . So I will look into that an see how it goes