Newbie

thisistough

Hi guys I'm new here so be gentle! I'm loving in Dublin (Miltown), have a bike but nothing to go with it. I haven't used the bike in about 5 years and need to start cycling to work and college

So I suppose I need a helmet, lights and a high vis jacket? Anything else that I'm missing? I already have a lock and it'll only be locked up in the underground car park in work so should be fine. Any recommendations as to where to go where I can get all this stuff, preferably somewhere that could install the lights for me since I'm clueless and don't even own a screwdriver...

wheelo01

thisistough wrote: »

I already have a lock and it'll only be locked up in the underground car park in work so should be fine.

My absolute recommendation is that you have a real GOOD LOCK, the horror stories of where people thought their bike was safe and went missing would dis hearten you (check the stolen bikes thread)

Other than that, it would depend on what type of bike you are using? is it a road bike or mountain bike, or hybrid? and what distance you are cycling. if a road bike on a long distance, you might want to get a pair of padded shorts.

lights are an absolute must, as a bus driver (hold your vitriol people) :rolleyes: the amount of times you come upon a person on a bike and don't see them until the last second cos they're dressed in black with no lights is baffling. as for fitting lights, usually a simple screwdriver at worst. If you really can't do it, a local bike shop will gladly do it. That said, you are not that far from me and I would probably take a trip on my bike with my screwdriver.

thisistough

wheelo01 wrote: »

My absolute recommendation is that you have a real GOOD LOCK, the horror stories of where people thought their bike was safe and went missing would dis hearten you (check the stolen bikes thread)

Other than that, it would depend on what type of bike you are using? is it a road bike or mountain bike, or hybrid? and what distance you are cycling. if a road bike on a long distance, you might want to get a pair of padded shorts.

lights are an absolute must, as a bus driver (hold your vitriol people) :rolleyes: the amount of times you come upon a person on a bike and don't see them until the last second cos they're dressed in black with no lights is baffling. as for fitting lights, usually a simple screwdriver at worst. If you really can't do it, a local bike shop will gladly do it. That said, you are not that far from me and I would probably take a trip on my bike with my screwdriver.

The lock I have now I bought for about €50 I think, the poor bike has been locked in the underground carpark for about 2 years now, I cycled to work one days and went to the pub after and never went back for it!

It's definitely nothing fancy, I bought it just after my communion (haven't grown much) so I guess it's just normal? Sorry I'm really clueless!

Are there any bike shops in the area that would be good to go to for this stuff? Would prefer an independent kind of place as opposed to a halfords or anything

Dave_White

Helmet is not a must have, but better safe than sorry. Good, rechargeable lights are way more important IMO. Knog makes good ones. Also Lezyne. You might also look into some windproof jackets and gloves.

Beasty

An ability to repair/replace tubes is vital. Make sure you carry spares, tyre levers and a small pump.

You also need to give your bike a check-over if it's not been used for a while. Make sure brakes and gears are working properly and lube the chain. Check the tyres and remove any "foreign objects" as they may result in punctures otherwise. Invest in a bike toolkit and give your bike a good clean (and do that regularly - for example degreasing the chain will improve performance and reduce the risk of issues going forward)

If you have grown you will probably need to raise the saddle.

All of these things are pretty routine and you are much better off trying to do them yourself as you will not always have a bike shop/mechanic on your doorstep

Wishbone Ash

Beasty wrote: »

...If you have grown you will probably need to raise the saddle...

If the OP was going to work and the pub 2 years ago I'd imagine they might have stopped growing by now! :D:D

thisistough wrote: »

...I cycled to work one days and went to the pub after..

thisistough

Great advice guys, thanks! I've definitely stopped growing unfortunately, about 10 years ago I'd say! Going to go to a bike shop this afternoon and hopefully get myself kitted out

Fian

thisistough wrote: »

Great advice guys, thanks! I've definitely stopped growing unfortunately, about 10 years ago I'd say! Going to go to a bike shop this afternoon and hopefully get myself kitted out

You have a nice route into the city centre from milltown , through Ranelagh, with cycle lanes most of the way. It is also a very manageable distance.

You should consider trying to buy your lights and cycling gear from Lidl or Aldi, they are very good value and for a short commute you really don't need the high end cycling gear you can find in bike shops. You have missed their "winter gear" sales but there may be a few lights left lying around in your local shops.

If you have facilities to change in work/college a set of "tights" from Lidl or Aldi to wear under shorts are great - they will keep you warm in the winter without making you sweat like wet gear trousers will. Those tights are also fine in the rain. Lidl/aldi also do good T-shirts that will wick sweat away from you. If you can it is well worth cycling in one set of clothes and changing after you have arrived and cooled down. As suggested above it is also vital to have a saddlebag with spare tube, small pump and tyre levers (tyre levers are small light tools you use to remove/replace your tyre when changing a puncture.)

It takes a bit of getting used to traffic on the bike so take it easy, slow and safe in the beginning, after a few weeks you can start thinking about speeding up your progress. Be aware that it is often safer to be further into the road than right on the edge, especially where the road is narrow - don't tempt people to squeeze past you. Don't pass close enough to parked cars that a suddenly opening door can hit you.

I started cycling in to work about 7/8 years ago after decades off the bike, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck!

Edit: Oops just noticed this thread was a month old before teh "arts and craft" post. OP I hope you are enjoying the bike rides in teh meantime!