Road Cycling Essentials

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Has anyone got any planet x jerseys, was going to order a few of the cheap ones for the commute and shorter rides, just wondering if they're any good, only £10 each atm.
 
I realise this isn't strictly road cycling, but my queries are noddy enough that I'm sure you guys can help me.

Where I work is offering the C2W scheme, and I'm giving serious thought to using it, since the salary impact is so small over time. The likelihood is that I'll do more recreational cycling than going to work (although I'll need to use it that way from time to time to stay within the conditions of C2W), and even when I cycle to work, I'll avoid roads whereever possible since I'd prefer to stay out of harms way! It will see more use on cycle routes and light trails.

Enough rambling, my questions are around equipment. I've selected the items below from the research I've done, but would appreciate any and all input.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_810735_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab3
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_851967_langId_-1_categoryId_271408
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_889193_langId_-1_categoryId_165741
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_921379_langId_-1_categoryId_165636
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_189730_langId_-1_categoryId_228377
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_217868_langId_-1_categoryId_165661

Please, treat me like a total novice, since I am!

Thanks.
 
If you are using cycle paths and light off road then get the Boardman Hybrid Comp instead. It's a much better bike, especially for what you want, and it's cheaper.

Also, riding on the roads is safe, most accidents happen where cycle paths and roads meet, not in roads themselves. It's safer to ride on the road than it is to walk on the footpath, so don't believe the hype about cycling being unsafe.

Edit: spend the money you'll save by getting the Boardman in better lights. Lights safe lives so get the best you can afford.

Also, get some tyre levers and spare inner tubes; you don't want to try and glue on a patch in the dark and wet, you just want to change the tube and get going. Patch the damaged one later at home.
 
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Makhaira said:
I realise this isn't strictly road cycling, but my queries are noddy enough that I'm sure you guys can help me.

Where I work is offering the C2W scheme, and I'm giving serious thought to using it, since the salary impact is so small over time. The likelihood is that I'll do more recreational cycling than going to work (although I'll need to use it that way from time to time to stay within the conditions of C2W), and even when I cycle to work, I'll avoid roads whereever possible since I'd prefer to stay out of harms way! It will see more use on cycle routes and light trails.

Enough rambling, my questions are around equipment. I've selected the items below from the research I've done, but would appreciate any and all input.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_810735_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab3
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_851967_langId_-1_categoryId_271408
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_889193_langId_-1_categoryId_165741
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_921379_langId_-1_categoryId_165636
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_189730_langId_-1_categoryId_228377
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_217868_langId_-1_categoryId_165661

Please, treat me like a total novice, since I am!

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I'm no good on mountain bikes, so can't comment on that - perhaps touch or someone can weigh in.

In terms of the accessories...

The helmet looks fine. They are all required to meet the relevant standards, so any will do really, so long as you like it. Computers aren't valid accessories for C2W, I'm afraid, so you'll have to fund that yourself. In terms of lights, those will be OK if your only purpose is to be seen, but they won't do much in terms of you seeing where you're going, which may be more of a concern if you're riding offroad in the dark. I'd pick up spare inner tubes and a saddle bag rather than a puncture repair kit. If it comes to fixing a puncture at the roadside, you'll want minimal faffing, and replacing a tube is much more fun that trying to fix one. By all means keep a kit at home, and repair your tubes at home to reuse if you can be bothered, but I wouldn't plan on fixing them at the roadside. The pump looks fine.

You given any thought to picking up any clothes?
 
SoliD said:
Has anyone got any planet x jerseys, was going to order a few of the cheap ones for the commute and shorter rides, just wondering if they're any good, only £10 each atm.
Click to expand...

I've got one. Went for a large and its a bit tight tbh. (I'm 6ft around 13st)

Nice enough though and bargain for £10.

And on the mountain bikes, I have a Voodoo Bokkor from Halfords which I'm very happy with. I don't know if your local store will have any in now but I managed to negotiate a discount and got mine for less than the bike you linked
 
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[DOD]Asprilla;24444340 said:
If you are using cycle paths and light off road then get the Boardman Hybrid Comp instead. It's a much better bike, especially for what you want, and it's cheaper.
Click to expand...

I think the carrera is much better spec'd than the boardman hybrid.
Hydraulic disc brakes vs cable discs and 10 speed vs 9 speed.
Depends on what type of riding you do tho.

The carrera is actually better value than the equivalent boardman MTB as well, which surprised me. Looks like a good bike for the money.
 
The mtb is well specced but its still an mtb and because of that I feel it's got the following against it:

- lack of mudguard mounts
- 36/24 gearing (seriously?)
- front suspension that isn't required

It's a good bike for the cash, I just wouldn't recommend it for commuting.
 
Tremendous input guys, really appreciate that. Any recommendations on other lights? I'd only picked those to "be seen" as you stated, since when it's dark in the evenings (winter) I'd probably chicken out of going out on it anyways!

Tyre repair info sounds 100% logical, I'll adjust my choices accordingly.

I've got a reasonable selection of clothing from doing other sports and running. Probably need to invest in some decent shorts though.

I'll wait and see what other opinions weigh in on the bike discussion - technical comments on the gearing and suspension type are way over my head at this point (I'll go and read up), I was just going off general research for a bike that was primarily light trails, with some (secondary) commuting.

Mudguard mounts don't bother me, as I can shower and change at work.

Thanks for this guys, I hate being a noob but it's nice to receive friendly advice :).
 
[DOD]Asprilla;24444717 said:
The mtb is well specced but its still an mtb and because of that I feel it's got the following against it:

- lack of mudguard mounts
- 36/24 gearing (seriously?)
- front suspension that isn't required

It's a good bike for the cash, I just wouldn't recommend it for commuting.
Click to expand...

I always find it funny looking at the chain rings on mountain bikes - they're teeny tiny! All well and good for "slower" work on the trails, but if you're only looking at 36 upfront then you're not going to have much top end speed for commuting.
 
Makhaira said:
I realise this isn't strictly road cycling, but my queries are noddy enough that I'm sure you guys can help me.

Where I work is offering the C2W scheme, and I'm giving serious thought to using it, since the salary impact is so small over time. The likelihood is that I'll do more recreational cycling than going to work (although I'll need to use it that way from time to time to stay within the conditions of C2W), and even when I cycle to work, I'll avoid roads whereever possible since I'd prefer to stay out of harms way! It will see more use on cycle routes and light trails.

Enough rambling, my questions are around equipment. I've selected the items below from the research I've done, but would appreciate any and all input.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_810735_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab3
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_851967_langId_-1_categoryId_271408
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_889193_langId_-1_categoryId_165741
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_921379_langId_-1_categoryId_165636
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_189730_langId_-1_categoryId_228377
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_217868_langId_-1_categoryId_165661

Please, treat me like a total novice, since I am!

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I would get an under saddle bag and carry a spare inner tube or 2 with you instead of trying to fix a puncture at the side the road. Just the echo what was said above the Boardman Comp will make the better commuting bike it just comes down to how much off roading you want too do as the mountain bike will be really compromised on a commute because of the heavy wheels and knobbly tyres.
 
Makhaira said:
Tremendous input guys, really appreciate that. Any recommendations on other lights? I'd only picked those to "be seen" as you stated, since when it's dark in the evenings (winter) I'd probably chicken out of going out on it anyways!

Tyre repair info sounds 100% logical, I'll adjust my choices accordingly.

I've got a reasonable selection of clothing from doing other sports and running. Probably need to invest in some decent shorts though.

I'll wait and see what other opinions weigh in on the bike discussion - technical comments on the gearing and suspension type are way over my head at this point (I'll go and read up), I was just going off general research for a bike that was primarily light trails, with some (secondary) commuting.

Mudguard mounts don't bother me, as I can shower and change at work.

Thanks for this guys, I hate being a noob but it's nice to receive friendly advice :).
Click to expand...

Lights:
A few on here use these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cree-Q5-L...K_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3f11f3f83f

Me and few others use this one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cree-T6-B...ing_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item2ec3e8ea21
 
Makhaira said:
Tremendous input guys, really appreciate that. Any recommendations on other lights? I'd only picked those to "be seen" as you stated, since when it's dark in the evenings (winter) I'd probably chicken out of going out on it anyways!

Tyre repair info sounds 100% logical, I'll adjust my choices accordingly.

I've got a reasonable selection of clothing from doing other sports and running. Probably need to invest in some decent shorts though.

I'll wait and see what other opinions weigh in on the bike discussion - technical comments on the gearing and suspension type are way over my head at this point (I'll go and read up), I was just going off general research for a bike that was primarily light trails, with some (secondary) commuting.

Mudguard mounts don't bother me, as I can shower and change at work.

Thanks for this guys, I hate being a noob but it's nice to receive friendly advice :).
Click to expand...

Everyone who commutes comes round to mudguards eventually; when it's raining its not the stuff falling from the sky that soaks you to the bone, it's the spray coming up off your wheels. Nice hot showers at work are great; putting cold wet shoes and socks back on to go home sucks.

I commuted for years without guards, but once you've tried them you never go back.

I should probably ask; what is a 'light trail'?
 
Makhaira said:
So would I be better looking at (one of which suggested above) the likes of these two given my proposed usage mix?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810635_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab2
Click to expand...

The carerra is a full 3kg heavier than the Boardman. You'll feel that. I think the gearing is better on the Boardman as well.

I think we need to know what sort of offroad usage you're envisaging, to know whether you actually need the really low gearing and suspension of a mountain bike.
 
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