What else are we going to need?

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
I think we've narrowed down our choice to two Cube reaction hybrid pro allroad, his and hers. When we make the buy what else should we think about? I mean obviously a helmet, maybe gloves but are there other essentials we should consider?

My thinking is we start with the basics and buy stuff as we need it. Make sense?
 
  • Like
Reactions: artspeck

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,985
Basildon
Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Deus and artspeck

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.
Thanks, excellent information.

Puncture proof tires? There is such a thing?
 
  • Like
Reactions: artspeck

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
19,990
8,172
60
West Sx RH
Tannus make them but they are hard, others use Marathon tyres.
 

StuartsProjects

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 9, 2021
1,658
927
My thinking is we start with the basics and buy stuff as we need it. Make sense?
It can depend on how far you are going and the time of year.

The one key item to have with you, in my opinion, is a waterproof\windproof, unless you are super fit and can cycle regardless like tour riders.

Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.
 

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
It can depend on how far you are going and the time of year.

The one key item to have with you, in my opinion, is a waterproof\windproof, unless you are super fit and can cycle regardless like tour riders.

Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.
That's a very good point. Especially here in England.
Thanks.
 

richtea99

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 8, 2020
434
283
Yes I carry basic tools and a simple puncture repair kit, but if you need to use them you are going to be stopped and stationary for quite a while so the waterproof\windproof is then almost essential.
Agreed! My list:
- multitool*
- puncture repair kit (or spare inner tube)
- mini pump
- waterbottle & cage
- and for when it all goes wrong, a phone

Agreed on the waterproof front too. Or check the weather carefully, ahead of time.
A basic £20 waterproof is great for an hour or two just to get you home, but if it's all day you'll need something that's bike-specific & breathable (unlike yourself when you see the prices).

*which one, though? That's a whole new thread! :eek: Just make sure you can remove the wheels with it. (Practice at home first)
 

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,985
Basildon
If you fit Marathon Plus tyres or equivalent, you won't need a puncture kit. I used to get punctures nearly every ride, but since I fitted them 7 years ago, I haven't had a single puncture despite getting a three inch nail burried two inches into the tyre.

There's a phone app called MyRadar that shows individual rain clouds coming. It's extremely accurate and reliable, so there's no need to get wet when you ride. I can time my shopping trips to within minutes of rain on either side of my riding.
 

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
If you fit Marathon Plus tyres or equivalent, you won't need a puncture kit. I used to get punctures nearly every ride, but since I fitted them 7 years ago, I haven't had a single puncture despite getting a three inch nail burried two inches into the tyre.

There's a phone app called MyRadar that shows individual rain clouds coming. It's extremely accurate and reliable, so there's no need to get wet when you ride. I can time my shopping trips to within minutes of rain on either side of my riding.
Great. Sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the app tip. I'll check it out.
 

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
Agreed! My list:
- multitool*
- puncture repair kit (or spare inner tube)
- mini pump
- waterbottle & cage
- and for when it all goes wrong, a phone

Agreed on the waterproof front too. Or check the weather carefully, ahead of time.
A basic £20 waterproof is great for an hour or two just to get you home, but if it's all day you'll need something that's bike-specific & breathable (unlike yourself when you see the prices).

*which one, though? That's a whole new thread! :eek: Just make sure you can remove the wheels with it. (Practice at home first)
Thanks for the tips. Practicing at home makes a lot of sense. So much to learn.
Carrying a spare inner tube might be the way to go rather than fooling with a patch kit.
 
Last edited:

StuartsProjects

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 9, 2021
1,658
927
Thanks for the tips. Practicing at home makes a lot of sense. So much to learn.
Carrying a spare inner tube might be the way to go rather than fooling with a patch kit.
I do carry a spare tube, just dont want the hassle of doing a roadside repair. My small mico pump is 17cm long and 82g.

As for Waterproof jackets, there are cheap Stowaway or Packable ones you can get from Go-Outdoors, there is one on offer at the moment for £5. Being cheap these waterproofs will be thin which makes them pack down small and light.

And if you want a Rucsack to carry the stuff, then Go-Outdoors do a bright coloured packaway one that will set you back £4.97;

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15901556/handy-heroes-pack-away-backpack-15l-15901556

Weighs 130g.
 

StuartsProjects

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 9, 2021
1,658
927
On the subject of the Tannus Armour, I bought them to try out on some marathon plus tour tyres.

I have had to remove them, could not get them straight in the tyres and if they are not exactly stright they make the wheels wobble.
 

sjpt

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2018
3,642
2,652
Winchester
Depends what you want the bikes for, you didn't say. For us rack and panniers are essential as most of our shopping is by bike.

I'll second the Marathon Plus. Went from 3 punctures a week commuting to none for several years working; and still none nearly 15 years into retirement. Our son has managed a couple even with the MPs over 10 years so so. They do have two downsides, worth paying for us but ? for you). A somewhat harsh ride compared to some more flexible tyres. Enough forward grip in most cases, but can be slipply on sideways mud, eg bridleways that slope sideways.

p.s. We haven't tried Tannus Armour but did try similar on a previous tyre. Careful but very slightly wrong fitting meant that they actually caused a puncture. Also no sidewall protection, and certainly not needed with MPs.

We tried slime a long time ago. Result was then when we had a puncture soon after we had a very mucky tyres and an irreparable inner tube. Many agree with us, but others seem to love it, thought.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Point Reyes

Point Reyes

Pedelecer
Aug 8, 2021
78
16
I do carry a spare tube, just dont want the hassle of doing a roadside repair. My small mico pump is 17cm long and 82g.

As for Waterproof jackets, there are cheap Stowaway or Packable ones you can get from Go-Outdoors, there is one on offer at the moment for £5. Being cheap these waterproofs will be thin which makes them pack down small and light.

And if you want a Rucsack to carry the stuff, then Go-Outdoors do a bright coloured packaway one that will set you back £4.97;

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15901556/handy-heroes-pack-away-backpack-15l-15901556

Weighs 130g.
GoOutDoors is loaded with stuff. I haven't shopped there but will. Thanks alot!
 

StuartsProjects

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 9, 2021
1,658
927
GoOutDoors is loaded with stuff. I haven't shopped there but will. Thanks alot!
A lot of 'Specialist' outdoor type shops dont sell much cheap stuff, after all they want you to buy the expensive stuff.

Go Outdoors is an exception, yes they have top of the range stuff, but they also do a lot of real value kit as well. And if you want to pose and pretend your a Tour winner, they sell that cycle kit as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Point Reyes

geoff967

Pedelecer
Jan 8, 2019
41
11
Some people take everything with them - waterproofs, spare tube, tools, pump, something to drink, etc. Some people like to dress the part - cycling shoes, lycra gear, padded underpants, etc. Some people like to add accessories to their bikes - lights, GPS, lock, sprung seat, pucture-proof tyres, alarm, bell, comfort grips, pedal clips, mudguards, etc. What you think you need is up to you. I would say the only essential thing is a puncture kit and pump unless you have pucture-proof tyres.

I ride in normal clothes and shoes, and I have puncture proof tyres, and I don't like to load my bike up with unnecesary junk, though, because I use my bike for shopping and other utility stuff, I always have to carry a lock. The only other accessory I think is necessary is a bell of the bring-bring type, which you can buy from Halfords for about £7.
You can get a bring bring from asda for less than £2 last time I bought one earlier this year but who knows after Brexit (joke) before we get too far off topic.
 

richtea99

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 8, 2020
434
283
Or, if you're feeling stylish, and want a bell that doesn't get bashed when you have to flip the bike over (to fix those punctures you're never going to get, right!), get an Oi!
(Just be sure to measure and see if you have space)