Spec me some new bike gear!

mavers · 28 Dec 2017 at 17:46

Finally got round to buying a bike for a 7 mile commute. Have a locker/shower at work, so quite happy to get some decent cycling gear. Will be my first bike in quite sometime, so want to get used to a bike with cleats before committing to the commute.

Have quite a few questions... so feel free to comment on anything I might have missed out!

Clothing - Any brands to go for/avoid -heard mixed things on Rapha. Was thinking a base layer and a jersey. Should I consider a soft/hard shell jacket?

Maintenance - Any kits/tools worth purchasing?

Was also looking potentially getting a cycle computer (Wahoo ELEMNT bolt). Would be cool to have gps/track my rides.

Any feedback is appreciated!

mavers · 29 Dec 2017 at 20:38

Thanks for the advice. There is Rapha store close to work.

Will definitely look into merino base layers.

Is there any maintenance I should be looking to do after each ride?

mavers · 14 Jan 2018 at 16:19

Update

Thanks for all the replies. Visited all the local cycle shops (Evans, Rapha, Cycle Surgery etc). Decided to go with a Rapha Winter Jacket (30% off), Merino base layers and la passione bib shorts (again in their sales).

Will look to expand the wardrobe over the year, but has been exciting to get on the bike!

mavers · 24 Apr 2018 at 21:37

Thanks for the advice...now looking for some cycling shoes.
Was thinking m540 pedals, any recommendations on shoe brands?

mavers · 25 Apr 2018 at 08:11

Pretty flexible on both pedals and shoes.
A chap at work mentioned the MTB fitting is quite good for clipping on and off (London commuting). As it will be my first clipless pedal I'm open to suggestions.

Budget wise happy to spend up to 200. But would prefer to keep it cheaper if possible!

mavers · 7 May 2018 at 19:07

Update.

Decided to go with m540 peddles and Giro Privateer shoes. Went with the size 10 (EUR 45), however it is a little tight. Do these shoes have any give over time? Or is it best to order the next size up?

mavers · 13 May 2018 at 21:27

Not having much luck with these Giro Privateers. The next size up was far too big, so will return to wiggle.
Any decent cycling shops in London with a large variety of shoes? The cycle surgery and Evans near me have a very small range.