HokieHooWVU

So now that I've purchased a bike...what are the must have accessories?


Seems like the big ones would be a helmet, cyclometer, nice pedals, and bottles/cages.


Can anybody recommend some good accessories models?

LowCel 

A pump or a CO2 inflator. It's always a good idea to have a couple of tubes and a patch kit, especially riding on WV roads. A multitool is a good thing to carry as well, especially on your first few rides on a new bike, adjustments are going to have to be made. A seat bag is nice as well, I use a Topeak because it is easy to take on and off. Also, it's a good idea to carry a few bucks with you when you ride in case you need to stop at a store for something.

A good floor pump is important as well. Good shorts / bibs are a necessity. A nice pair of gloves is a big bonus as well.

operator

Carrying C02 only is a bad idea.

LowCel 

You are correct. Now, with that said I have been carrying CO2 inflators with two spare cartridges for about four years now. I have never carried a pump. However, I did recently purchase a nice pump to start carrying with me in addition to the CO2's on my longer rides.

I've been lucky so far, I have no doubt that lucky streak will end eventually.

Spreggy

A helmet mirror.









OK just kidding, don't be doing the helmet mirror, or the aerobars.

My recommended start-up list would be:
bike
helmet
2 jerseys
shorts
road or nice looking but walkable mtb shoes
clipless pedals
jacket
heart rate monitor
cyclocomp w/ cadence function.
Small seatbag (Trek makes a nice small clip-on one, others do also). Not medium, or large, but small.
In it: multitool, 2 tubes, a mini pump, your license, a ten dollar bill, a gel
4 water bottles
gloves


G/L!

RC2

BIBS! A good set of bibs -- Do a seach and you'll find no shortage of recomendations on brands/etc.

ProFail

Or shorts....


Why does everyone think that bibs are the greatest damn thing ever? They're not. I've tried many a bib short on, and none are comfortable. The straps always feel to scratchy. Let him decide whether he wants bibs or shorts.

inb4 "u havnt tried nice bibs den lol"

dcbikeguy

A map, and a fast car - so you can get the hell out of West Virginia.

merlinextraligh

As a place to ride, West Viriginia is about 5000 times better than DC

People routinely drive 5 hours from DC to ride in West vriginia. I don't see anyone driving to DC to ride.

dcbikeguy

Sure, then they return home to civilization.

ericcox

I'm going to agree with Lowcel for the most part -- spare tubes, floor pump, & CO2 inflator (&/or minipump) are the most important. A pair of tire levels and multitool are also nice, as is an under the seat bag. To save money, a lot of this can be picked up at WalMart or Target. A nice pair of shorts is also good, as are gloves.

My advice on the jersey is to wait unitl you find one on clearance. Until you are sure you are really into cycling, I would go with just a t-shirt or, if you've got some, some workout apparel (I still ocassionally wear some cheap Old Navy and target athletic shirts, especially when I'm pulling the bike trailer and don't really need pockets).

I give the same advice on clipless pedals and shoes. That depends on what comes with the bike -- I belive the 1000 comes with toe clips. If it does, I would wait to upgrade to clipless pedals (and shoes) until you are sure you are really into cycling. Toeclips will work fine while you are starting out. If you start putting in serious miles, this is an easy upgrade later.

And of course, we are all assuming you have already purchased a helmet. Comfort is the key here; no need to go crazy with a really expensive lid.

operator

Driving somewhere to ride your bike? lol. For MTB rides, maybe but road rides? Come on.

merlinextraligh

Cheat Moutain Challenge. Ride in Pochontas County and you'll understand.

Geoff326

two spare tubes (with long stems to make pumping up your tires easier) and tire levers

arm warmers and knee warmers (ie from pearl izumi) if you ride in colder weather, you'd be surprised how much these will affect the comfort of your ride on colder days. a base layer is good as well such as under armour.

HokieHooWVU

ignorant mofos like yourself never cease to amaze me


you do know that the eastern panhandle of WV is a suburb of DC just like NoVa and Montgomery County, MD are right?


West Virginia has the lowest crime in the nation and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country as well.


I'm not even from WV, I grew up between Baltimore and DC and now reside in Virginia but your ignorance still amazes me. Boy, I can't wait to go back to the civilization of DC so I can get shot by a bunch of thugs who will rob my family in that great place you're so proud of...DC.

Retro Grouch 

Ohmygod I'm doomed!

Hey, wait a minute. I'm at home right now. In fact, I've always found a way to get back. Whew!

Demit

Wrong.

logdrum

I have seen too many plumber cracks that I'd recommend a bib. Also as you thin down or your gut forces the short down and you get off the saddle there is a chance the horn of your saddle will grab the short and voila you hairy rectum canyon for all to see.

operator

Sorry, i'm not sure how much more incorrect you can get here. One has unlimited supply of air, the other does not.

Pretty simple eh?

Carry what you want. Don't come crying back from a ride when you ran out of Co2 carts and had to call somebody to pick you up becuase you were too lazy to carry an airpump and wanted to be a hipster.

timmyquest

dcbikeguy

West Virginia sucks, get over it.

kk4df

I'm not sure why so many have problems with helmet mirrors. I would not feel safe on the road without mine. Maybe it makes me look like a "Fred", but so be it.

And what's wrong with aerobars?

Retro Grouch 

It's not the weight of the pump, it's the burden of all the worry you seem carry around with you.

Oh - and thank you for thinking that I might look like a hipster.

cooker

HokieHooWVU, it may seem that you are entering a world of snarky, opinionated, small minded snobs, but don't worry, it's only somewhat like that. Cyclists can also be generous, tolerant and fun.

LowCel 

I'm pretty happy here. I like peace and quiet though. I also like to be able to outside and grab something out of my unlocked car but that's just me.