Few road bike accessories needed.....

[arryb]

Following on from this thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I'm after a few things that I haven't got seeing as I've moved to uni and had to leave all my dad's stuff behind.

First, a helmet http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Met_Inferno_Ulti.... Having considered cheaper helmets, I think I'm much more likely to wear something that is light and fits, which is the most important thing so no point skimping, especially when I love those descents!!

Next, track pump for home use and mini pump for emergency out and about use. Think I've decided on this for the mini pump http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Master_Bl... but don't know about the track pump - want to spend approx £20/£30. The Park Tools PFP3 Home Mechanic Floor Pump (Track pump) was recommended by another bike shop but wiggle only stock the PFP4??

And finally, some essential tools. Am I better off going for an all in one like: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Compact_S... or buying the tools and bag separately (I already have a spare inner tube but need a saddle bag for carrying it), if so, any reccomendations?

Any advice greatly appreciated and if anyone would like to refer me to wiggle so that I can get some glasses free (I lost a nose piece on my last set on my last ride ) then feel free

Thanks, Arry.

[littleandy0410]

Can't belive no one's helped you out with a referral yet! PM me your e-mail address and I'll refer you ASAP!

The helmet looks good, like you say, if you buy one you don't like or isn't comfortable, you're less likely to wear it. I personally use a Specialized Air Force, it's plain black so looks cool, it was £25, and it's rated to higher safety standards than most other helmets on the market.

The mini pump you've picked looks ok, but depends what type of tyre you're pumping up - road or MTB? It looks quite a thin barrel - good for high PSI on road bike tyres, but slow going and hard work! I use this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Blackburn_Airsti... on my MTB. It was rated well in MBR a while back. There's a smaller version for a tenner too.

As for a track pump, I use a Topeak Joe Blow (£25) mine's yellow, I can't see it on wiggle's site. (mine came from halfrauds when I had some gift vouchers to use)

Tools wise, if you're always going to cycle with a rucksack/camelbak, I'd go for a multitool, rather than a saddle bag - it frees up the underside of your saddle for storing a spare tube or a saddle bag for valueables. I use this:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Survival_...
which is OK, the crank bros multitool is supposed to be good.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_1...

Edited by littleandy0410 on Friday 19th September 00:20

[arryb]

littleandy0410 said:

Can't belive no one's helped you out with a referral yet! PM me your e-mail address and I'll refer you ASAP!

Thanks, when I've decided on what I'm getting from where, I'll give you a shout

littleandy0410 said:

The mini pump you've picked looks ok, but depends what type of tyre you're pumping up - road or MTB? It looks quite a thin barrel - good for high PSI on road bike tyres, but slow going and hard work! I use this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Blackburn_Airsti... on my MTB. It was rated well in MBR a while back. There's a smaller version for a tenner too.

It is for use on a road bike and would prefer something small (hopefully won't need to use it too much, it's just for emergency use!!) and need the high psi!!

littleandy0410 said:

Tools wise, if you're always going to cycle with a rucksack/camelbak, I'd go for a multitool, rather than a saddle bag - it frees up the underside of your saddle for storing a spare tube or a saddle bag for valueables. I use this:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Survival_...
which is OK, the crank bros multitool is supposed to be good.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_1...

I have a camelback but I also need to carry spare innertube + housekeys + mobile which is why I suggested the topeak all in one but don't know if this is the best bet considering I need multitool + tyre levers + puncture repair kit.....

Anyone else using one of these or something different??

[Nick_F]

I carry one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Hexus~Hum..., plus a couple of tyre patches, chain repair link, spare inner tube - or two, for long rides - and a pack of self-adhesive tube patches from Park just in case.

I wouldn't be able to re-tighten a loose BB cup, but otherwise that equips me to deal with more or less anything. One advantage of newer bikes is the absence of threaded headsets etc and the gert big spanners needed to dea with them.