Road bike equipment questions / recommendations

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Road bike equipment questions / recommendations

12 posts & 7 voices | Started 5 months ago by Pieface | Latest reply from mrmo

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Pieface - Member

I can easily use my MTB stuff but I'm buying a new commuter bike so want to put together tools and pump kit. Its my first road bike and will probably be used for evening / weekend rides too.

I'm currently looking at -
- Topeak Pocket Rocket DX pump (I appreciate good pumps) or should I go for a frame fit pump?
- Topeak Hexus multi-tool as it covers everything and is cheap, anything smaller / better to consider?
- Saddle pack - not sure here, want something quite compact that will carry a tube (2 at a squeeze) multi-tool and maybe a phone
- Pedals - I'm inclined to stick with MTB SPDs as I like the double sided ness and will work with all my other shoes but am open-minded to the virtues of road pedals.

Posted 5 months ago #
Wookster - Member

I use co2 on the bike just easier really. Fizik saddle bags are very good in my experience. For a proper road ride road shoes pedals are great but if you're dabbing a lot ie stop start traffic I like the recessed spd set up.

Posted 5 months ago #
mrmo - Member

Frame fit is better than any mini pump, simply because you can actually get the tyres to pressure in a sensible period of time. I cheat and use CO2.

As for multi-tools, i carry a crank bros thing, but have never needed a multi-tool on a road bike in 10 years for anything other than planned tweaks.

As for saddle pack, i just use jersey pockets.

if your riding the bike road shoes are better, more comfortable, better power transfer, but if you want to walk they are a pain.

Posted 5 months ago #
Merak - Member

After trying out many 'mini' pumps the Topeak mini morph will genuinely get you 100 psi in jig time.

Multi tools are much of a muchness (what does that even mean?!) I have a Scott one which I use the now, it has all the necessities. I also have a Cool Tool which I bought in the 90's and is unparalleled.

The small size Specialized saddle pack will suit your application.

I use Egg Beaters on all my bikes except for TTing.

Posted 5 months ago #
dyls - Member

Buy a CO2 pump cannisters instead of a pump, practice using it before taking it out.

I wouldn't bother with a saddlebag, put everything in the back of a jersey pocket. Use a multitool that has a detachable chain device, spare tube/lever, park patches, chainlink, money and phone.

Posted 5 months ago #
Pieface - Member

Do you bother carrying a chain tool or do you bank on the fact that you know what condition your chain is in and its likelihood to snap?

Posted 5 months ago #
STATO - Member

It all depends on your commute and your bike choice. For me id never have a saddle bag or frame pump on a commute bike as it gets left outside and locked in town etc. so everything needs to be in my pannier or its getting nicked. Following that, i dont want to be humping around loads of extra gear if i dont need to so i carry the smallest pump i have and minimal tools/spares (tho in the summer i didnt even bother as its only 2 miles so walked the bike home that 1 time i got a punture). The bike is build for reliability so im expecting punctures to be very rare, and not getting upto the magical '100psi' is not a hardship as long as i can limp home that one time.

Might be different for you.

Posted 5 months ago #
dyls - Member

You can get a multitool that has a detachable chain device, they are very small and worth it for piece of mind imo. Also forgot to mention a tyre patch/sticker as well, they take up no space.

Posted 5 months ago #
Pieface - Member

Bike will be left indoors so can leave stuff attached. Wondering if anyone ahd any specific recommendations on kit, but by the looks of things MTB kit suits, but a big frame fit pump may be a good choice

Posted 5 months ago #
edhornby - Member

if you're commuting, take 2 tubes, better to be safe than wondering about the home journey or fixing punctures at your desk

small pump, you can't leave anything on the bike, including lights (especially lights)

stick with spd's, clipping and unclipping for lights etc and also there will be more walking in and out of the house/office, more chance of getting thin and thick socks on wearing them (seasons, rain)

Posted 5 months ago #
edhornby - Member

get a good lock - even if it's a secure work bike park with CCTV, don't take the chance. If you have a QR on both wheels, take 2 D locks

http://www.lfgss.com/thread17938.html#post563834

Posted 5 months ago #
mrmo - Member

for commuting i tend to leave a small tool kit, allen keys inner tubes at work, just in case. Why struggle with a multitool if you don't have to?

Posted 5 months ago #

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