How's this for beginners bike + accessories ?

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:00

Wanting to get into cycling and hopefully within the next few weeks will be ordering the 500SE which is on offer for an outstanding price I think.

But just wanted everyone's opinion on the rest of the kit I've picked out too.

Main use initially will be a short 5 mile commute to work. With the aim to start getting into longer social rides on a weekend.

touch · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:18

The bike itself is fine but the pedal/shoe combo won't work. You've got spd-sl (road style) pedals and spd (mtb style) shoes.

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:23

Ah I thought they were just mountain style rather than mountain bike!

I think I've seen the mountain style shoes with clip system before. But Decathlon don't seem to sell these.

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:26

I was just about to point out the same.

I'd recommend getting SPD peddles rather than changing the shoes to SPD-SL.

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:27

rossk26 said:
Ah I thought they were just mountain style rather than mountain bike!

I think I've seen the mountain style shoes with clip system before. But Decathlon don't seem to sell these.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/m-520-mountain-bike-pedals-black-id_3169982.html

For example.

Spamalot · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:28

I recomend using standard pedals if you're a beginner.

James07 · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:39

I reccommend a better helmet, your budget might be tight but if you want a helmet then its worth getting a decent one.

mattyfez · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:39

Yeh, with the money saved on pedals and shoes you can get a better helmet.

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:45

How beginner are you? Can you ride without wobbling about/nearly falling off? If so, get SPD/SLs... but if you're a complete beginner then I think the above posters might be right about getting flat peddles (for now).

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:52

I can ride a bike!

Never rode a road bike though, but am confident.

So swap the pedals round and everything else is good?

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 08:56

It all looks reasonable to me. You might want a cycling jersey if you don't already have one. You also need basic tools, spare inner tubes, pump, etc.

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:04

What about this kit:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-bike-tool-kit-id_8315961.html

I've read reviews that suggest changing the tyres all together when they inevitably go. So shall I save the inner tubes til then?

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:08

It's got most of the bits you need but you may want to get something a bit smaller that will fit in a saddle bag.

You'll want at least one spare inner tube to carry in a bag in case you get a puncture whilst you're out cycling. You'll also need a hand pump for this... and you'll want a track pump for home. It all starts adding up

You'll probably also want gloves and some glasses, come to think of it.

topgun06 · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:13

For what you get, this kit is probably better value: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-bike-tool-kit-18-piece/rp-prod40997

And then get a multi tool to take with you.

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:19

This - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-bike-tool-kit-id_4760419.html

Plus this? http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-bike-multitool-blue-id_8323996.html

topgun06 · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:23

Looking good.

rossk26 · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:50

Will want mudguards too thinking about it. Which ones would fit onto this bike?

FrenchTart · 29 Jul 2015 at 09:52

You're going to struggle to get decent mudguards on that bike sadly. Crud Road Racer Mk IIs or SKS Race Blades would work but they both kind of suck. Cruds have the benefit of full coverage but they absolutely will rub and will limit you to 23mm thick tyres max. Race Blades only do half a job but they're a lot easier to fit/remove.

If you could find a source for Race Blade Longs I'd go for them but you probably won't be able to sadly.

James07 · 29 Jul 2015 at 20:43

You can live without guards for now. I still haven't got any 1500 miles after buying my roadie, although I'm starting to get annoyed and want some now.

It doesn't matter how confident you are. Roadies are another level and you need flat pedals pref with toe cage to start with for a couple hundred miles. Then replace them with SPD-SL pedals like most beginner riders do. I did that exact method.

£50-60 will get you a really good fitting helmet, just try them before you buy, I got lucky with mine but I'm going for a Kask Mojito next which is £95 so ill be going for a fit haha.

Get a short sleeve Jersey and a long sleeve base layer, this will cover you in most weather conditions except rain when you'll need a jacket. Bib shorts are better than normal shorts too, nicer fit.

I wear bib shorts and Jersey most days. Pop on the base layer if its a bit cold and then the jacket if it rains. Bib tights in winter and in extreme weather waterproof trousers tucked into some decent overshoes. Cost a small fortune so far but its worth it. The auction site is a good place for bin shorts. You can get a Jersey and bib shorts for £20 delivered from China & branded team sky or other teams, obv knock off but can't complain, the bib shorts are brilliant, so much better than my other shorts and trousers, until wiggle drop me some new gear tomorrow

Wiggle do bib shorts and bib tights and overshoes sub £15 each. Can't complain when you look at the savings over a year.

rossk26 · 30 Jul 2015 at 08:31

What's the difference between these bike shoes?

http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product.do?method=view&n=3389&g=514079&p=514205&d=124&c=4&l=2&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Mountain%20Bike%20Shoes&gclid=CjwKEAjwluetBRD98L639p35p0QSJACC8BlKGWAFOgbKGIz8U97kGsp_2-Nshl__letSoPEoqapSpxoCcITw_wcB

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mt34-mountain-bike-cycling-shoes-id_8299758.html