Commuting Essentials

The Sparrow

Very excited as I am heading to my LBS tomorrow to pick up my first bike since I was a teenager... a Giant Defy 3.

Mainly going to use it as a commuter at first with the hope I like it and take it out for longer weekend spins. But it has to work as a commuter, first and foremost. I'll be doing about 20km a day along the N11/ Rock Road.

So what essentials do I need to get? So far I have picked up some cycling gear in Aldi. On my list tomorrow in the LBS are:

Helmet
Lights
Reflective windproof jacket
Gloves
Mudguards
Foot pump
Spare tubes

Am I missing anything obvious or is that enough to get me going? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I want to make sure I am prepared and can enjoy the bike without anything obvious going wrong. Any suggestions of good brands/ products would be much appreciated too.

I have a place indoors in work to store the bike so I'm going to hold off for a bit before getting a good lock.

quozl

A rack and pannier bag is extraordinarily handy

Loq

If you are going to cycle during the winter get some under layer clothes to keep you warm.

wirelessdude01

Spares tubes and a small portable pump.

Zyzz

CO2 gun and cartridges.

Ole Rodrigo

If you're not carrying too much weight, a race pack/ backpack is useful.

HivemindXX

You didn't mention tyre levers. You'll need them to go with the tubes and pump.

You might also get some latex gloves. They take up almost no space and if you do have to fix a puncture at the side of the road they will keep oil and dirt off your hands. You can get these in a chemist.

lennymc

some good stuff mentioned - i bring the following on my commute (mixture of back, main and town roads). mudguards, good lights, good tyres, spare tubes, co2 + canister or a good pump, overshoes, good bib tights, good jacket, good multitool, tyre levers, phone, ziplock bag to take phone, money, card/wallet.

enjoy!

GradMed

I'd recommend changing the stock tubes that come with the Defy before you start commuting, had several punctures when I got mine last year. (tyres not tubes, silly me)

NS77

Handy if you can leave shoes, towel and as much clothes as possible in work - saves carrying them in with you everyday. Also, if using a backpack - get one of those reflective backpack covers - rsa.ie are giving them away free at the minute, along with some other hi-viz apparel.....

Type 17

Tools and lube - you might need some portable tools for emergency work, but do make sure that you have decent 8/9/10/13/17mm spanners, a phillips no.2 screwdriver and 3/4/5/6mm Allen keys for home maintenance, and some wet lube for bad weather, and some dry type for drier times.

If you don't want to/aren't mechanically-minded to do your own maintenance, you still need to:
Check your tyre pressures once a week
Ensure that your chain is clean and lightly lubed
See your LBS for a service every six months or so

Type 17

GradMed wrote: »

I'd recommend changing the stock tubes that come with the Defy before you start commuting, had several punctures when I got mine last year.

If you're commuting, check if the tyres are puncture-resistant - many new bikes' tyres are not (to keep to a given price-point), especially in the Defy 3 part of the market, and if you ask the LBS now (before riding the bike), they may "trade in" the unused original tyres for better quality ones.

Wishbone Ash

HivemindXX wrote: »

....You might also get some latex gloves. They take up almost no space and if you do have to fix a puncture at the side of the road they will keep oil and dirt off your hands....

+1

For leisure rides (where you won't have a backpack) roll pairs of latex gloves tightly in cling film or tin foil, remove bar end plugs and store them inside.

Joey Joe-Joe Jr

GradMed wrote: »

I'd recommend changing the stock tubes that come with the Defy before you start commuting, had several punctures when I got mine last year. (tyres not tubes, silly me)

++1

One of the lads I work with had an unbelievable number of punctures when he first got his Defy 3. It was a 25k each way commute and in the first week he got around 10 punctures. 4 in one day!!

I think he replaced with schwalbe tyres and halved his commuting time. :-)

bobcranfret

I always carry a quick release chain link and also a multi-tool with a chain tool. I've never had a chain problem on a ride but if I do I'm ready!

Seaswimmer

This is a quick list I put together for the people at work who were interested in the cycle to work scheme.

Most of it has already been covered here and some people may have different views on aspects of it but have a read anyway..

1. Track pump with gauge to take Schrader and Presta valves. Keep at home and use regularly to pump to around 100psi. Check tyres for glass frequently and remove any bits stuck in rubber.
2. 2 spare tubes Presta valve. Size 700c x 23. May need to be "long valve" depending on your wheel rim depth.
3. Set of good quality plastic tyre levers and small multi tool.
4. Small pump but of a reasonable quality. Alternatively CO2 pumping system,
5. Lights. For rear light any good quality led light (Blackburn, Smart, Cateye or similar) Front light is a bit more complicated if you need a high power one to see with. Make sure whatever front one you get is rechargeable. Ask shop for options but don’t be shocked at the price..
6. Ask shop to upgrade your tyres to Continental Gatorskin tyres or Marathon plus.
7. Decide what clipless pedal system you want. I use Look but there is also Shimano SL and Shimano SPD (cleat recessed in sole) which lets you walk. Alternatively start off with flat pedals and runners if unsure.
8. Good quality mudguards (SKS, race blades or similar). Don’t get any "beavertail" type. You want ones that firmly attach to the bike.
9. Get good overshoes for wet days. Make sure they are tight around your shin to stop most of the rain going down into your shoe. I use BBB brand but there are plenty of options.
10. Get a set of "sleeves" .They are very useful as they keep your arms warm when needed but saves you having to have any long sleeved jersies.
11. Cheap glasses with selection of lenses. These can be got online at good prices but shop may have something. I use light coloured lenses during the winter and dark ones in summer. Handy for keeping flies/dust/dirt out of your eyes.
12. Good clothing. I use Endura or Altura brand shorts and jackets. Cheap and reasonable quality. You wont go wrong with Decathlon jerseys and sleeves.
13. Chain Reactions for online purchases but also Wiggle, Merlin and Bike24

cdaly_

Seaswimmer wrote: »

5. Lights. For rear light any good quality led light (Blackburn, Smart, Cateye or similar) Front light is a bit more complicated if you need a high power one to see with. Make sure whatever front one you get is rechargeable.

I prefer to use lights that take standard batteries and then use rechargeable versions of these. That way, if I'm caught out with the battery going flat I can just buy ordinary batteries to get going again. Then again, I usually carry spare batteries with me anyhow.

Also, Lidl do a pretty good multi-battery charger for around €20 from time to time. Charges batteries fast and includes reconditioning cycle.

The Sparrow

Thanks to everyone. Some great info. Definitely going to look at getting the tyres changed to something a bit more puncture resistant.

It was too windy today so going to get the bike tomorrow.

I came up with this list based on some of the essentials listed in the thread. Do they look decent or should I be looking at different brands? The rest I already have or I will talk to LBS tomorrow about.

Rack pump with gauge to take Schrader and Presta valves.
€21.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/airwave-storm-track-pump/rp-prod47804

2 spare tubes Presta valve.
€7.98
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/airwave-road-tube/rp-prod41989

Set of good quality plastic tyre levers
€3.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/weldtite-puncture-repair-kit-tyre-levers/rp-prod7972

Small multi tool
€12.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/lezyne-rap-6-multi-tool/rp-prod36267

Small pump but of a reasonable quality.
€12.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/airwave-surge-mini-pump/rp-prod42196