Am off to get my first proper bike....... - Triathlon

Keith Mac

15/06/2007 at 12:29

I am going tomorrow to order my first proper race bike. Apart from Bike, Pedals (I did not know that you bought these separately) compatible shoes and a helmet is there anything else that is a must. I am basically starting from scratch and need to get the essentials.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

M.ister W

15/06/2007 at 12:35

Make sure it fits. Apologies if you've already been properly fitted but if you haven't then make sure the shop does it.

Leo M

15/06/2007 at 12:35

Pump, tyre repair kit, multi-tool, spare inner tube, saddle bag, bottle cage(s), bottles, energy drink, energy food, cadence/speed monitor, cycle shorts, cycle jersey, short sleeved cycling top, long sleeved cycling top, cycling jacket, slightly lighter cycling jacket for when it's not that cold but you think it might be chilly, bento box, aero bars, quick inflater

......and of course anything made of carbon

Say goodbye to ever having any disposable cash ever again :)

Keith Mac

15/06/2007 at 12:39

Cheers,

I am going to Ribble in preston, they have said they will check size before i order.

are shorts/tights etc with seat padding a must?

Bento Box?

popsider

15/06/2007 at 12:42

Pump - preferably a frame pump that fits or else a very good mini pump(though I think you'd need another better pump at home in that case), couple of spare inners/patches, tyre levers, bottle cage and bottle, chain lube, good multitool or mini toolkit for adjustments.

Kit wise lycra shorts, cycling jersey with rear pockets, short ankle length non black socks.

Optional, helmet, cotton cap (even with a helmet useful to wear under it to keep the rain out of your eyes), eye protection, led lights, veet, other tools, track mitts, winter kit, cycle computer, saddle pack.

M.ister W

15/06/2007 at 12:43

You'll be okay with Ribble.

Padding isn't essential but it's going to make your cycling a lot more comfortable.

A bento box is a small box that fits on your top tube to carry snacks. I use one on my long rides but the rest of the time I put stuff in the pockets of my cycling jersey.

M.ister W

15/06/2007 at 12:44

....and can I recommend the Cateye Astrale 8 bike computer. Ribble had them on offer a while ago so if you ask nicely you might get a good deal on one.

Bouncing Barlist pirate

pirate

15/06/2007 at 12:45

Whats up with black socks?

Keith Mac

15/06/2007 at 12:55

Again many thanks,

Mister W, i have garmin 205, will that be ok or do you need an actual bike computer.

Popsider - veet?

popsider

15/06/2007 at 12:59

Just tradition Carl. Veet, only if you want to become a ponce, but why else buy a road bike ? No you don't need a computer at all - I haven't used one for a year - but more through laziness - they are nice to have.

Bouncing Barlist pirate

pirate

15/06/2007 at 13:00

Right im going to start pulling my socks up from now on.

popsider

15/06/2007 at 13:08

Are they black ?

M.ister W

15/06/2007 at 13:10

I don't wear socks when I cycle. Is that where I'm going wrong?

The Garmin will do very nicely. The only thing is doesn't show, which I find very useful, is cadence. But I think you can get a bike kit for it that will enable it to show your cadence.

fat buddha

15/06/2007 at 13:10

I'm with pops - black socks with bike shoes are like wearing socks with sandals - just say NO

Nick L

15/06/2007 at 13:12

I think you should get one of those sirens that has 3 different settings....OR one of those revving things that you stick on the handlebars that make a motorbike noise!

Bouncing Barlist pirate

pirate

15/06/2007 at 13:12

Yes theyre black, I nearly always wear black socks.

cougie

pirate

15/06/2007 at 13:30

I dont mind black socks - but draw the line at those ones that go half way up your shin.

popsider

15/06/2007 at 14:03

I often get ragged about my lack of bike fashion sense but even I wouldn't them.

Although people might think you are new school in a Lance Armstrong stylee with black calf length socks.

popsider

15/06/2007 at 14:03

"wear" them. Bleedin' RW site missing out words.

cougie

pirate

15/06/2007 at 17:19

When it was scorching at the weekend I passed two blokes all clad in black - longs on and long sleeves - they must have been sweltering. Like cycling ninjas they were in their baggy gear.