#1853

Dump the puncture repair kit and take a spare tube for commuting (you don’t wanna be patching stuff up in the rain imho). Patch the old one when you get in.

Overshoes and a decent jacket for the rain (though with mudguards you might be okay on the overshoes front, and yes, they can be used with normal shoes).

Obviously you’ll need 2 decent locks for the bike – this LFGSS thread lists decent locks which work, but they aren’t cheap: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/144109/

Also – have you thought about how you’ll carry stuff on your bike? A decent waterproof backpack perhaps?

Once you’ve done the confidence course I wouldn’t worry about “getting into the position” of cycling to and from work – I managed it without any practice or prep and my commute is also 12km – you’ll get faster etc over time. 12km isn’t that far-- I got mine down from 50 minutes to 30 minutes in about 6 months. I’d also recommend doing the commute for the first time on the weekend as the roads will be quieter and you can work out a route. The confidence people should also be able to help with this.

#1854

maybe i’ll finally burst the rapha seal and get some

1 Like
#1855

Oh and also, @marckee, a personal recommendation of mine is don’t get Gatorskins, get these instead: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-prime-armour-road-tyre/

Half the price and mine have been absolutely superb on my commuter. No punctures in 6 months / 2000km which is better than any other tyre I’ve ever used to commute with, including Gatorskins.

#1856

Ta for the advice:

  • Yeah, I’ll add a couple of tubes to the list then.
  • I have a decent jacket already, but to be honest, I get too hot in it, so will probably just let myself get wet and then dry myself off afterwards.
  • Overshoes are one of those things that I’ve got on my list for later, when I actually start cycling in to work.
  • I already have a decent backpack (it’s the one I use for running, which has a fluro rain cover too)
  • I think that I’ve got the route sorted, but the reason for not cycling in straight away is because at the moment I don’t think that I could cycle 24k a day AND do my running the next day, which can be over 30k at a time now. I’m content to spend a month (or even two) using it as more of an exercise bike to help with my running, and until the clocks go forward (and Victoria Park is open in the evenings).
#1857

I got some, really nice Castelli ones at that. But they feel weird. The bottom of your calf is a weird amount of flesh to have exposed.

#1858

Mate, if you want some friendly non-“pro” advice - my thread is always open.

I can’t promise anything slick or polished but the advice you receive will be friendly and genuine.

#1859

no I like it, make me feel kind of sexy

1 Like
#1860

maybe it feels ok…
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on perverts.

2 Likes
#1861

I don’t trust amateurs.

But thanks for the offer though.

#1862

Have you got a good pair of gloves?

Also track pump if you haven’t got one

Also bottle cage

#1863

ah yeah all of these things

#1864

Bottle cage: added to the list.

The others, I have.

Ta!

#1865

My headset was so so loose this morning and I don’t have my multitool on me to fix it before going home.

PLEASE DON’T DIE, £149 SHIT BIKE!

#1866

1 Like
#1867

Also to add:

tyre levers
LUBE

#1868

Got all that.

#1869

That’s OK mate. But we’re always there of you need us. If this lot get a bit… much.

#1870

talk to me about isadore jerseys, they look really nice but $$$$$

i might buy one in a size too small so i have to get fit to wear it, is this the most stupid idea i’ve ever had?

#1871

They’re a bit on the dull side for me.

Their caps are bloody lovely though: https://isadoreapparel.com/climbers-cap-black-white WANT

As for buying a size smaller: might work, might not.

#1872

My B’Twin came with a pair of lights that yer man at Decathers put on after checking the bike over. They aren’t brilliant but thought I’d let you know before you bought your own.