So much equipment so little money!

[hgrill02]

First of all I am so glad I found this forum, just reading through all the threads I have learned so much already!

Mother of twin two year olds, I am newer than new, I have decided to participate in my first charity ride, MS150 (180mile ride from Houston to Austin TX in April) I have decided on a used bike from a member of the team I joined so I am saving alot of money there however...jersey's, padded shorts, special socks, shoes, hydration packs, proper sunglasses, spare tire and a portable pump? i would like to have a trainer for days I just can't get out too. What do I really need and what is just fluff? I went to our local bike shop Saturday and was overwhelmed, I could easily drop a couple hundred bucks and still not have what I need! I need a starter package!:confused:

Also, my current helmet has a date of 2002 inside of it. Has this expired yet??

Thanks for any advise!!!

[mimitabby]

wow. First let's start with the helmet. Check your helmet. see if it is still intact, no cracks in the white foam stuff. If it's okay, you don't need a new one.

the ride you want to attempt is long. You will really want padded shorts
and gloves are a necessary safety item. You can use the sunglasses
you already wear, and regular teeshirts or sports shirts on top.
You don't need hydration packs, but you will need a way to carry water.
There are bottles of water that sell in the store that fit in the bottle carriers on the bike if need be.

What are the pedals like on your bike? do you have to clip into them? if not
you don't need the special shoes.
I personally do not like most bike socks and have ridden almost 2000 miles this year just
wearing the socks I want to wear, so don't worry about the socks.
Pump? well, if you're always riding with someone who has one, you can get away without it.

and i hear trainers are selling on ebay! good luck

[Eden]

ohhh takes me back. When I was young and didn't know anything I went out with nothing but a patch kit, a pump and some water....

The basics to be comfortable in the summer:
2 short sleeve jerseys
2 pairs shorts
packable wind/water repellent jacket
look for good sales from bike Nashbar or even at local shops to save some cash here - they don't have to be the newest and trendiest to be comfortable
the luxuries - necessities if you will find youself riding regularly in cold/inclement weather! - leg/arm warmers, tights, insulated jacket, long sleeve jersey, base layer, shoe covers, wool/waterproof socks

2 water bottles at very least, a hydration pack I think is a luxury

cycling socks are not *necessary*, but will be more comfortable because they wick sweat away and they are not terribly expensive so I'd go for these in any case.

shoes - if you are going clipless they will be necessary. If you are going with flat pedals with or without toe clips tennis shoes will be OK, but cycling shoes have stiffer soles and will not only be more efficient, they will be more comfy too. Again look for sale items - they don't have to be the newest, snazziest ones to be comfortable.

basic repair kit - spare tube, patch kit, mini pump or frame pump, multi tool (luxury item here - co2 cartidge) To really get your tires pumped up correctly you'll probably want a floor pump at home.

Oh yeah - totally agree with Mimi, gloves are another must.

The first things that I bought as I slowly changed my gear over were padded shorts (I used to wear tee shirts), padded gloves, then cycling shoes, wind/jacket pants (though I no longer use a wind style pant - I go with tights instead) and lastly cycling specific shirts (not counting all of the "luxury" items....)

[SouthernBelle]

on the socks, they don't have to be cycling specific. I bought some of my socks at the Reebok outlet. You do want the wicking kind, which admittedly are a little more expensive.

[Bad JuJu]

About the shirts and socks--you can find inexpensive Coolmax (wicking fabric) clothes at lots of general sporting goods stores these days. Just make sure the shirts are long enough for coverage in the back and don't have any extra bells and whistles (buttons, collars, etc) that might be irritating while riding. I think you can get Coolmax socks at Walmart.

I second what Eden said about shoes. They should at least have a nice stiff sole--otherwise, you'll be working harder than you need to and your feet may hurt after a while.

Have fun!

[Bad JuJu]

Almost forgot--think about how you'll carry things. You'll want a small saddle bag for your tire repair kit. And what about extraneous clothing? For example, if you'll start off in cool morning temps that will later rise quite high, you'll probably peel off a layer eventually. Now, where do you put that little devil? If your bike has a rack on the back, just grab a bungee or two and you're in business. Some other possibilities: if you get a large enough saddle bag, you might be able to stuff a jacket in there; check out small (and I stress the word "small") handlebar bags--also handy for snacks, chapstick, sunblock. Or if you do decide to carry a hydration pack, they usually have bungees on the outside that will take a jacket.

[Kimmyt]

I still feel that although all of those special things are great to have, if you get into cycling and don't have the money to get everything, you can still enjoy the sport.

Some cheaper solutions (and then as you realize what you really want, you can slowly add things to your gear collection) can be found.

Most important, get your safety needs first.

These are the things you should be spending your money on. Helmet, Tire pump (stand-up and one for on the bike frame), bike tool, spare tube. n.

Then the most important clothing/comforts:

Pair of padded shorts
Water bottle, cage (these are cheap! If you are just starting to ride you can probably get away with just one... once you get into longer rides you can add more)
Gloves (they DO make a difference)
Wicking shirt (despite opinions, you don't need to get a jersey outright... if you find a $6 shirt of wicking fabric, go for it!) besides, not everyone likes the fit of jerseys. I have a friend who is a great cyclist, but she trains in regular athletic shirts. Of course, the basic rule would be no cotton, as that will just hold your sweat in and you will get cold. Most of us find that we enjoy the pocket feature of jerseys the most (and the long zipper which is great for venting) so if these features interest you you can probably find something fairly cheap right now.

All those other layers you can probably put together from your current wardrobe if you are at all athletic. If it's chilly out, throw a pair of wind pants or stretchy workout pants over your shorts. Throw a rain jacket or wind jacket over your t-shirt.
I've worn fashion sunglasses when it was sunny out and I forgot my riding glasses. I also wear a ultra cheap pair of lab safety goggles for when it's overcast or low light. They may not be pretty, but they work!

It's not about fashion, it's about function, and while you can spend a ton on clothing and gear, you can also do just as well with what you've got.

Similarly, I've ridden with people who have sneakers and toe clips (those are the baskety things on the pedals) and they do passingly well.

I will say it definitely will be good for you to have some sort of pedals other than the flat pedals.

That's my opinion, take it with a grain of salt b/c I've only been riding for a year but this is what I've found having started this sport just like you.

Also, now is probably a good time to be getting cycling gear... now you can get gear for warmer weather since it is off-season. Check out discount gear sites and you should be able to get some stuff for pretty darn cheap.

[crazybikinchic]

I agree, you do not have to have cycling specific jerseys. NO COTTON!! something wicking. I do have jerseys, but in the winter, I tend to wear Under Armour brand stuff. For that distance, the padded shorts would be nice. I did the MS150 in 2005 (didn't this year because of school), in the Dallas area (somehow, Frisco to Fort Worth doesn't have the same ring as Frisco to Ardmore, OK). It was the most well supported ride I have ever done. I didn't ride 30 minutes without some SAG passing by. Lots of rest stops with good snacks (be sure to stop). The support of people will really carry you through the ride. Stick to basics, then slowly add the frills.

[KSH]

Hello and welcome! The MS150 is a great ride and you will have fun doing it.

Now to answer your questions... what do you need?

jersey's - Get one. If you look on the internet, you can get one cheap. I always go to the Primal Wear factory outlet online. I have never paid over $35 for a snazzy looking jersey.


padded shorts - These are a must. Don't skimp here. I really like the Pearl Izumi Sugar Shorts- only $45 a pair and they have serious padding.

special socks - Buy one pair at $10, done. But they aren't a must.

shoes- Needed if you are going to go for clipless pedals.

hydration packs- Get a Polar water bottle. It keeps water cold for a long time, and there will be enough rest stops that you can fill up often. Camelbak's are great though, as you don't have to reach for a water bottle while riding.


proper sunglasses - I wear some glasses I bought for $10 at Target. They work just fine.

spare tire and a portable pump - You need a spare tube, somem CO2's and a bag to put it in that fits under your seat. A portable pump is not a must. Total cost- $25-$30.

I would like to have a trainer for days I just can't get out too - This is a huge cost. Honestly, if you can get a sitter... you need to get outside and ride. The time spent on the trainer is not the same as time spent riding outdoors.

Good luck!

[mimitabby]

I cannot emphasis how important gloves are. But i guess none of you saw how my son laid his hand open when he fell this summer before the ride of silence.
he wasn't wearing gloves. grrrr

and you don't have to spend a fortune on gloves either.

[Aint Doody]

I think jerseys are worth it for the rear pockets. I can fit a bunch in them.

[eclectic]

I'll throw my 2 cents in

I started riding more a year ago and faced purchasing all the "stuff" to do a supported tour. It is pricey but I did it increments and things don't wear out quickly

You have a helmet I am assuming is OK

Clothing:
#1 Bike shorts, I would definately make this my first purchase. for long rides on consecutive days I found nothing beats the pearl izumi touring chamois'.
2 pairs if possible in case pair #1 doesn't dry quickly enough

#2 - gloves

#3 wicking top of some kind - I bought some inexpensive workout ones at target, but also have some jerseys - I like them both

#4to stay warmer I just use an old pair of unlined wind pants (they are older than the hills, pack small, can be taken off w/o removing my shoes and work great.
On top I just wear a wind breaker of some type that doesn't flap alot

#5 Socks N/A I am one of the few who goes barefoot in my road shoes. In my mtb shoes that I wear in the fall I wear socks but then I wear warmer ones just to keep my feet warm. I wouldn' t put special socks high on the list yet because there are a lot of other options - BUT cycling socks are cute - great Stocking stuffers, mothers day gifts etc etc etc.

Bike

Absolutely necessary
#1 spare tube, patch kit, levers, something to fill it with (a lot of women go w/ the co2 kits) People will usually help you change it and if you have your own stuff you are thought much more highly of - most won't want to give up their spare tube and no guarantee it will fit.

#2 Lube - learn how to use and how often - some need to be applied every 50 or 60 miles

I agree w/ all that said a floor pump for at home

Work up to it gradually and eventually you will have what you need
(I worked temp jobs and earmarked the extra cash for bike stuff only:)

[still balancing]

After having ridden for about 8 months now, I have discovered that all the spandex I bought (convinced that I did not want it so tight that I couldn't breathe) is the wrong size. Make sure you take time to try on different sizes and styles if you have shops around.

Recommendations...

buy one pair of shorts and see what you think of the fit - I've decided the sugar shorts by pearl izumi are my favorites because they are some of the shorter ones available, but others like them to be long...

gloves - and plan on going through a pair during training because the padding does wear down

wicking sports bras and tops (pockets are good) - especially if you are doing a ride where you are on and off your bike and need to carry things around - daskin now has a line at Wal-mart with wicking material (this summer some of the tops had pockets)

still wear my target sunglasses, but plan on buying a pair with changeable lenses for when I ride later in the day (since I attach my mirror to them)

basic repair stuff mentioned by others

pump (and test out how easy it is to use) no one ever explained the need to pump ones tires OFTEN. think I was around 750 miles when someone asked if wanted to pump my tires before riding one morning - after looking at them and responding "no, there seems to be air in them..." it was explained that you should pump your tires every time you ride because they always lose air (some do this every few rides or so many miles...) it was amazing the difference it made to have full tires - felt like I was on a whole new bike and my average speed increased

[mimitabby]

pump (and test out how easy it is to use) no one ever explained the need to pump ones tires OFTEN. think I was around 750 miles when someone asked if wanted to pump my tires before riding one morning - after looking at them and responding "no, there seems to be air in them..." it was explained that you should pump your tires every time you ride because they always lose air (some do this every few rides or so many miles...) it was amazing the difference it made to have full tires - felt like I was on a whole new bike and my average speed increased

ha, that's funny! ;)

[Triskeliongirl]

This is south texas. You will need wicking fabrics, but you can buy a high tech sleeveless bike jersy from performance for $10. Water bottles will do, again from performance are $3 each, you need 2. Shoes, PM me your size, I have 2 old pairs I would be happy to send you for the cost of postage if they'll fit. You need padded shorts. I found that sun and ski sports has good sale prices if you wanna try stuff on. I don't think a trainer is necessary since we live in a mild climate. I use a 2001 helmet, if its not cracked its good!

[Tri Girl]

Welcome!

I won't reiterate what's already been said- they are all VERY good suggestions.
I will say one thing. When I first started out I was overwhelmed with the price of things. I did almost all my shopping on e-bay and wound up with GREAT things for very cheap. I got my clipless Sidi shoes for $10, some jerseys for less than $10 each, some new cycling shorts for $30, and some sunglasses with interchangable lenses (the kind that won't shatter if I crash) for $20. I really found some good bargains, and it was winter (like it is now), so you can find some good deals on summer-ish items. I figured that I saved hundreds of dollars just by being vigilant on e-bay. Gotta love other people's used things.

Best of luck to you at the MS150!!! I hope you love biking as much as the rest of us here! :)

[logdiva32]

I've really been ridding since a kid, but never took it for more than just riding until now. Been riding the same diamondback MTB since 1992, haha. I was also overwhelmed at the cost of everything. Have been shopping on craigsllist and ebay for equipment and apparatus, I've found great deals.

Bike: Cannondale R300 $200, Ebay
2nd bike: Novara xpress $289, REI members garage sale

Indoor Trainer: $40 craiglist

Full Yakima roof top bike rack with 2 raptors complete: $35, Craigslist

5 bike jerseys: REI, discount/ return rack at $16 a piece.

Goodwill: Seattle found a Thule trunk bike rack for $8.

Gloves: Use my weight lifting gloves

Helmet: new, didn't want to chance it. $40

My sunglasses , riding pants, and padded shorts were free after I took a few friends into performance bike and they all bought bikes on my membership!!
So get creative..
Shop now in the winter, for best buys. GOOD LUCK

I am an Army officer, with 3 kids, so I don't have money either.

[LadyinWhite]

Would you recommend that she pick up some balm or butter? It's a pretty long ride she has in mind and I'm thinking that it may not be a bad idea to have some on hand just in case she experiences some chafing after the first miles are under her. Balm can go a long way to making the rest of the ride pleasant.

oh and my two cents REI Outlet often has some great prices on last seasons biking apparal.

[teigyr]

hi!

I concur with most everything! I started years ago and thought cycling stuff was silly looking. I did get the shorts out of necessity but wore a t-shirt and sports bra with them. A helmet goes without saying. After my first 1,000 miles, I realized I was HOT and needed a jersey. After that, I started getting Stuff.

My "must have" bike stuff are allen wrenches/bike tool, patch kit (though I tend to replace tubes rather than patch), pump (floor and riding), tire levers, and energy gel. If I'm going over, say, 60 miles and my tires are older, I will take a spare tire just in case. I also carry (usually) no less than 3 tubes.

I rode my first centuries on a mountain bike then got a road bike from eBay. I got a very nice Bianchi Alloro that I still have. ('course I upgraded to my Orbea a few years ago!) One word of caution about eBay and buying stuff in general....until you have experience, you don't know what works for you and what doesn't. I'd buy things that were good deals only to realize that I'd have to replace/upgrade in the very near future. I have/had SO many cycling shoes that I got from eBay only to realize they hurt my feet. The Bianchi, cool as it is, was slightly too big for me. I'd get cheaper shorts (still galls me to pay over $60 for shorts!) only to have them wear out quickly or have them not offer the padding that better shorts have. It's good to find deals but think critically before spending money unless the item is truly something you want.

You'll want to see what other people have as you do training rides. Sunscreen is a necessity and sometimes you will need to rig something to put your ridesheet on your stem. See if you can sample peoples energy drinks/gels/butt balm to see if those things make a difference to you. I'm always offering to bring people a baggie of energy drink mix because why have them buy it only to have it make them sick? If you were closer, I'd go through my stockpile of "these didn't work for me!" toys and perhaps someone in your area has the same boxes sitting in their basement that they would be willing to donate to you for free.

Good luck!

Jane