Buying a bike. What do I need?

tpittsley77

I will be purchasing my first road bike this week. I decided that as part of my health and fitness goals, to complete a sprint tri next year. I will be going to a well reputed local bike shop for my bike, so I am sure they will set me up with a good bike for me needs.

However, what other gear do you find a necessity of biking?? That you just can't bike without... (Aside from a helmet and bike rack for transport)...

Thanks for your help!

scott091501

Pedals, shoes, bottle cages, maybe a saddle as stock saddles suck,

Ellieus

I'm more a tour biker, but I would definitely recommend a brooks saddle. They seem awefully hard when you touch them, however they are the best and most comfortable saddles around. Get an "aged" one and you won't have any pains as your behind will form the saddle perfectly .

tpittsley77

Thanks for the input so far!! Can't wait to hear from others!!

bpotts44

Also, gloves and a good pair of sunglasses that are ANSI rated. I use oakley m frams.

wellbert

spare tube, co2, know how to change it...

Gapwedge01

All that is mentioned above is good stuff. I might suggest a rear view mirror like TaKe A Look mirror and a good flashing taillight. I personally like Dinotte's 300R. I do a lot of in traffic riding so safety is important to me. Hi Vis jerseys help too.

thekarens

Seems obvious, but bike pump and if it hasn't already been mentioned...cycling shorts, your rear will be forever grateful!

Ellieus

"using" a rear mirror on my recumbent and will really soon switch to a helmet mirror. Seems so much better and I've had good experiences with it a few years back.

mdstamand

So far you've been given good advice. I've had to stop twice this summer to help cyclists who flatted and then couldn't get the tire off their rim because they didn't carry tire levers. I prefer the CO2 cartridges to pumps due to the speed factor. I carry a spare tube and a patch kit plus 2 CO2 cartridges just in case I get the dreaded 2nd flat in one ride. In a tri-event you may have neutral tire/wheel support to remove some of your tire woes but training is all on your shouldiers. Also, for saddles try them out and find the one that fits you. Starting at your LBS is great. Brooks, Selle and Specialized are some of the better saddle makers (IMO). My LBS let me try different saddles for up to two weeks and return any I didn't like. It took three before I hit pay dirt. I also recommend cycling socks, The Sock Guy, Defeet and others make nice ones.

cloggsy71

I prefer the CO2 cartridges to pumps due to the speed factor.

The only thing I will say about CO2 is, it is alleged that it degrades the rubber in your inner tubes faster than plain old air...

TheBigYin

I prefer the CO2 cartridges to pumps due to the speed factor.

The only thing I will say about CO2 is, it is alleged that it degrades the rubber in your inner tubes faster than plain old air...

Yep - use it to fill the tyre, get home, deflate, and re-flate with the track pump. It's a get-you-home or to the end of the race solution, not a permanent reflate.