DSMRob

Went to the LBS and picked out my bike today... Went with the 2014 Cannondale Quick 4 and am having a beefed up set of wheels made for em. Everything will be done Tuesday now what else do I need? I am guessing I can get a good helmet there but where do you guys buy bike shorts or bibs from in larger sizes? Also I am guessing to be on the safe side I would like to get a camelback pack for water (I'm scared of dehydration) various creams to stop chaffing ect ect. Any thing else I'm missing? Any good online places to get what I can't find at the LBS?

Thanks,
DSMRob

brianogilvie 

I find that Bouré shorts work well for Clydes; they do custom sizing for a reasonable price. I don't recommend Camelbaks unless you're doing really long rides in hot, dry places. Put a couple water bottle cages on your bike, get a couple 24-oz. bottles, then find places on your ride to replenish if needed. I don't need chamois cream unless I'm out for at least 50 miles; when I do want it, I prefer Chamois Butt'r, but Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream is a decent substitute that comes in small tubes.

Frankly, I think the most important stuff to get is what's necessary for the most important mechanical problem you'll encounter: a flat tire. Get a spare tube or two, a pump, a patch kit, a couple tire boots, and a cotton ball to drag along the inside of the tire to find whatever caused the flat, especially if it was a small wire). If you can learn to fix a flat quickly, the world is your oyster. Eventually you might want other tools and parts - a Fiberfix spoke, spare brake and derailleur cables, replacement derailleur hanger, etc. - but for now, get what you need for a flat.

Lights are also useful. Even if you don't intend to ride after dark, it's useful to have a good taillight and a reasonably powerful headlight in case you're delayed and have to make your way home after sunset.

CommuteCommando

Buy the bibs based on height, not waist and chest. They'll be tight around the middle, but they stretch. If you buy based on girth, they'll be too tall and baggy in the seat.

Camelsbacks are nice, but not totally necessary. I did 30 today in temps between 83 and 105 with a 20 oz water and a 20 oz G2. The ride was planned around two known water fountains for bottle refills, and I did fine. I have a Camelback, but only take it on longer rides where I am not sure of water resupply. I drank about half the Gatorade and about 2 1/2 bottles of water.

aramis

Just go ride! When I first started riding I rode in jeans and a metal water bottle I had already and came out fine. For short rides just grab a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head out. That's what's great about a bike, you can just hop on and go!

I know you're not supposed to do this, but I went on a 46 mile ride today and only drank about one bottle of water and didn't die. I just drank a lot when I got back since it was a short ride.

Myosmith

Get yourself a good helmet, some bike shorts (you can get MTB baggies or wear your bike shorts under regular athletic or casual shorts if you aren't ready for public spandex), some riding gloves (optional but I like them) and impact resistant sunglasses (the tinted safety glasses sold in the tool section of big box and home improvement stores work just nifty). Tell the LBS where you just bought the bike, beefy wheels, and extras that you'd like them to throw in a water bottle or two on the deal, though honestly the 20 oz water bottles you can get from the c-store will work just fine for now, just make sure you get a size that fits snugly in you cages. Then you are all set to get started. Don't go nuts on extras at first, ride a while to find out what you really need and want. Check out Aerotech (their ads are likely showing up for you on this forum) for larger sizes at decent prices.

jsigone

helmet, clipless pedal/shoes, spare tubes, tool, levers, small saddle bag. Two water bottle cages, if worried about water, pocket a 3rd in the jersey pocket. Camelbak is a no no for me on long rides or on the roadie all together. Puts too much weight on the shoulders and back for the entire ride. Easier to pocket a bottle and rotate it out when one on the bike is empty.

Oh yah, ride it and ride it some more!! Have fun on your new bike!! But you should really post pics of the new bike

luvdemtigers

46 miles is a SHORT ride? I cant even do a MILE yet. LOL. Ill be glad when I can say 46 miles is a short ride.

bbeck

Will not be long before 46 miles isn't a jaw dropper.

Like the others said get a bag and fill it with flat repair stuff. For me that's a spare tube, a couple of co2 cartridges. Also have a multi tool and tire levers. Add a spare quick link or 2. A couple of insulated water bottles work well. I love my 105 pedals but rode a year on bmx medals.

I bought my bibs and saddle from nashbar they have a great return policy. I bought brooks team pro and after two years decided it wasn't for me. After talking to customer service they let me turn it and exchange for a b17 sprung saddle. Sorry I can't remember the spring saddles number.

I also picked up a trainer. This helps me ride when it's hot or wet or I'm just to wimpy to go out side.

donalson

TWO YEARS?... or was that a typo?

bbeck

Not to hijack the thread but it is not a typo. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Blew my mind I thought I had purchased it a year or so. She told me no it had been two years. I said I guess that changes me able to swap it and she said said nope.

PhotoJoe 

I'll echo several things. One, flat kit. Be prepared. The call of shame sucks. A tube, patch kit, tire irons, multi-tool, pump or C02, etc.

Buy a floor pump. Skinny tires lose pressure and you should check pressure before every ride, or at least every other ride if you ride every day. I'd much rather pump them up with a floor pump than a frame pump.

Helmet. I think it's safe to say that all brands fit differently. Only your noggin will know what's comfortable. Bell works well for me. YMMV.

Gloves are nice. Bibs are really nice. Yes, you can ride in street shorts and a t-shirt, however, let us know how that goes as you increase mileage/time in the saddle and the seams start rubbin in places you don't want your seams rubbin. Also, t-shirts absorb and hold water. Very uncomfortable for riding. At least, hit up wallyworld or Target and get a sports type shirt that wicks. Jerseys are better (IMHO) because of the fit and the pockets.

Water - this is your gold. Don't skimp. If you run out, you can be in a world of hurt. I see where someone just did 46 miles with one bottle. Great. PLEASE, don't take that as good advice for you. Drink BEFORE you feel thirsty. When you get to the point of longer rides, if you feel thirsty, it's too late and VERY difficult to catch up.

The most important thing of all....ready.....I want you to write this down in a special place and remember it always.....POST A PICTURE OF THE BIKE!!!! We like bike-porn!

Congrats. Looking forward to many stories of your upcoming adventures!

BTW, my wife rides a Quick and LOVES it!

aramis

Well you can have short and long 46 mile rides and you can beat yourself up more in 30 minutes than a four hour ride.

When I started riding I nearly collapsed after a few miles around the block, had to walk up little rises.. but you get better very quickly and before long you will be going 20,30,40,50,60-100 miles if you want to.

JT Burkard

Right now just get out and ride and don't worry to much about accessories. I got a helmet but have to admit I haven't used it yet. I ride in shorts and a t shirt and just started to wear a sports shirt like Photojoe mentioned. That made a huge difference in comfort in the hot weather. I am looking to get those padded bike shorts (loose fitting short looking ones) since I was up to 15 miles a ride and I can get a little saddle sore. I also have a pair of weight lifting gloves that work nice as they are padded on the palms.

Stay hydrated but the camelback is a bit overkill unless you are in Moab mountain biking. I have one 24oz bottle which works for me in the short miles I am able to ride. Plus I have several stores along my routes I can stop and refill if needed.

I second the request for pictures!

Bikerer

Two water bottles should be plenty for any ride you would do. Your bike should support two water bottle cages. Any ride long enough that you'd need a camel back would make the camel back uncomfortable (your shoulders WILL get sore). Creams are also a bit over kill... (i ride 3-4 hours at a time and never use creams... plan on starting out rides more like an hour at most, if anything, I'd focus on getting a better saddle rather than anything else) I HIGHLY recommend you simply get a nice pair of Bib shorts, a good jersey, and gloves (nashbar.com is a good source... they carry nearly everything). I would forget about all the rest of the stuff. I started out riding on a bike I think that was much like yours (trek 7.5fx). The tires on those bikes are practically immune to puncture flats. I rode the thing likely 2-3k miles and NEVER got a flat.. Just make sure you properly inflate your tires before each ride. Eventually, if you find yourself really enjoying yourself... find a group to ride with that matches your abilities. They can teach you about fixing flats, pedal systems, nutrition, saddles, comfort, chain maintenance etc. I think its too easy to get intimidated/overwhelmed by diving in too deep too quickly.

Jarrett2

I had a flat, so I'm all about the flat tools now Patch kit, Co2 bottles, tire puller, multi tool, spare tube and hand pump. I did 30 miles this past weekend and was glad to have two bottles of water on the bike. An Incredibell works great if you are going to be on busy bike trails. Carries a lot farther than I can yell "on your left" when I am huffing and puffing with a dry mouth. And a phone of course.

DSMRob

Well so far my new biking aventure hasnt worked out very well. Sunday the 21st I picked my bike up from the LBS and brought it home for all to see and oogle at. (all being me) and decided to take a quick spin down my street to just feel a little wind in my face. Nothing big or long, 100 yards or so just enough for us to get to know each other, you know to start bonding with each other in hopes that 1000's of miles together will be fun. Well I went to throw my leg over it and got my shorts caught on the seat a bit nothing big but enough to make me hop on one leg two or three times to keep my balance and wham I slipped a disk in my lower back. Wow does that smart a bit. Well for the next 3 days I couldnt hardly get out of bed let alone think about riding and finally after two trips to the DR and my second Chiropractor visit being thursday I can finally walk with out feeling like someone is jabbing a knife into my back. Soooo hopefully by this week end I can go and have fun on my new toy. The good news is while layed up in bed it gave to time to do some shopping so I have 2 sets of Falconi bibs, Giro helmet and headlight/tail light coming in the mail soon. YAY me.

Turzy

wow that sucks ! but at least you're doing better good luck for the upcoming week end

PhotoJoe 

Sorry to hear about the disk, however, great attitude! You'll enjoy that bike!

As far as the helmet goes, have you tried on a Giro? Some love them. They don't fit my noggin' at all. Bell fits like a glove. YSMV (Your skull may vary). If it's not comfortable, send it back and get one that fits you. Nothing worse than a poor-fitting helmet....other than a slipped disk!

donalson

so I was starting to laugh a bit until the slipped disc portion... I think we've all done that at some point... hop on with to baggy of shorts, they catch the saddle and finding balance becomes difficult

enjoy the new toys when you get back to being normal

donalson

yup, head shapes aren't all the same... and different brands shape their helmets differently (the same thing in motorcycle helmets)... also not every helmet in a brand is going to be the same shape... it's best to go to a store and try on helmets and verify it fits correctly.

Jason300

Bike + helmet = go put some mile on the bike.

Address needs as they arise.

And GRATS on the new bike!

Null66

Strongly disagree about the comfort of the Camelbacks. I have one of their cargo type and have worn it on all sorts of rides, including last years Erie canal ride. I love freezing it mostly full the night before and having a block of ice and long term supply of COLD water when it is hot out.

Also as a large person myself, I find I need FAR more water then my riding partner.

My biggest problem is staying cool. Sweating is a surface area to volume issue. Where as heat generation significantly with goes up with mass! Also remember that the generation of metabolic waste goes up with energy expended.

I find it much better to be over provisioned, then even slightly under provisioned.

2 wheeler

Did you get a floor pump yet, DSMRob? I noticed that you ordered some other stuff.

You probably know that bike tires aren't like car tires; car tires can go quite some time between checking pressure. Bike tires should be inflated before every ride for best performance and tire life.

DSMRob

Yep I have one of those. Back is feeling good so I think tomorrow will be my first ride. Going to start out at 4 miles and see how I feel.

catonec 

additional items beyond the bicycle you should purchase:

helmet
gloves
pedals/shoes if desired
water bottles/cages
blinky lights
cycle computer if desired
frame pump
floor pump (at home)
work stand
under seat toolbag
tools: allen key set, tire levers, patch kit, extra tube, small screw driver (deraileur limit screws), chain tool.....
lubes/grease
jerseys/bibs

knowledge of basic bicycle mechanics for on road repairs. (plenty of books, utube videos......)

of course none of this is really necessary at first, but eventually you will want it all.