Bike Gear Recs?

[theoriginalbean]

Hi! I'm training for the Seattle to Portland bike ride this summer and I don't even know where to start. I have a road bike (it's a great bike!) but nothing really to go with it because I've never been a serious cyclist. My bike shorts are ancient and probably too small because I was a skinny endurance athlete when I bought them and now I'm in a bigger body since I switched my focus.

I have a bike trainer to get started indoors while the weather is bad. I know I need a different wheel for that. My bike doesn't have clip pedals so I'm looking for those and cycle shoes. I need a helmet that doesn't look like a 90s skateboarder helmet. Not that I care about style, the one I have just isn't comfortable for long periods of time.

Any recommendations on your favorite things for endurance cycling would be welcome! I'm basically starting from nothing but the bike.

also if you have any favorite "stuff" for triathlons, I'm doing a long one of those this fall so I'll be looking there, too 😂

[Susie]

Right away you will want clipless pedals and cycling shoes.  I think this is best to get at a local bike shop where they can fit you, position the cleats in the right spot, etc.  Most shops in my area are bike/ski seasonally, so bike stuff can be harder to come by until spring.  But you should be able to find one.

You'll also want cycling shorts right away, while you're on a trainer in the winter.  I have tried a bunch, some I like better than others, but I don't have any good formula for picking.  I could actually use some new ones too, because most of mine are from my smaller HIM-training days, and now... I have 2 kids and no HIMs on my calendar.

If you have a road bike, you probably don't need a different wheel for use on the trainer, but a trainer tire (I just use an old road tire) would be good.

A speed/cadence sensor is good to have, depending on what your setup is and how tech-y.

A riser for your front wheel (although I've def used old textbooks for this).

When you get outside, you will also want 2+ water bottle cages on your bike.  You may want those sooner, but you can put a water bottle on a table by your bike/trainer set up in the meantime.  

Helmets - my current one is Giro.  You'll def want more ventilation than a skateboard style helmet provides!  

Sunglasses - I like having ones with interchangeable lenses, because you always want something covering/protecting your eyes from any stones, pebbles, insects, etc., even if it's cloudy.

Jerseys - for the pockets!  not so necessary on the trainer, pretty clutch for outdoor rides.

[sadlebred]

Susie, has a lot of great advice!

Today's hot cycling brands. Some are size inclusive:
velocio.cc/
www.machinesforfreedom.com
www.pactimo.com/ (Been around for years but now has very stylish clothing)

Something you'll find is that styles have changed in the last few years. Road cycling short sleeve jerseys fit closer to the body no matter what your size. Shorts are put on like panty hose/tights with the new materials. If you want looser clothing, take a look at mountain bike shorts and tops. They are loose but still have all of the technical features you can wants

The good ole stand bys:
Pearl Izumi
REI Brand Novara clothing
Louis Garneau
Voler
Hincapie

If budget is a concern I'd also look at what's on sale at Performance Bicycle, Jenson USA, Cambria Bicycle, Campmor, and Sierra Trading Post.

Definitely get a new cycling helmet! Don't get the new "skateboard" style helmets that are popular with younger riders. You want a proper cycling helmet. MIPS has been added to some helmets to help prevent head injuries with rotational falls. I HIGHLY recommend you spend a few more dollars for a helmt with MIPS. The box will be labeled. Note: All helmets in the US have to meet minimum requirements.

Do you have a Garmin watch or another running/sports GPS watch? It will work for cycling as well. If you don't have one, you may want to invest in a Garmin or Wahoo cycling computer like my favorite the Garmin Edge 530, but there are cheaper ones. I don't recommend some others that don't have support in the US

They are called clipless pedals, and cleats are what go on the shoes. Not clips, click ins, clippies, etc. These are clip pedals and not what people think: www.amazon.com/NEWSTY-Outdoor-Cycling-Stationary-16-Inch/dp/B07CV8XDC6/ref=asc_df_B07CV8XDC6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242005762312&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4295290223599461345&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010803&hvtargid=pla-570985897636&psc=1

Susie is right--this is where you want to go to at least one local bike shop to try on shoes. I also recommend going to REI as they sometimes have more brands to try than a local bike shop. Avoid Academy Sports, Dicks, etc. The local bike shop can also help you set up your pedals/cleats. They will usually mount the cleats in a neutral position. You may need to adjust them (it's easy!) until you find what is comfortable for you.

[theoriginalbean]

That was all super helpful! I need to read and reread a few times because some of these words are new to me 😂

I do have a Garmin, I thought about adding the cadence sensor but I'm also considering a Garmin update so 🤷🏼‍♀️

Good to know about the tightness of clothes. I'm not sure what I want so I'll probably just try things until I figure that out. I'm usually a tight gym shorts/lose shirt person so the whole tight jersey will take some getting used to.

I think I'm confusing tire/wheel so thank you for pointing that out! I feel like maybe I have no business even doing this but I have plenty of time so here we go!

[sadlebred]

Dec 31, 2021 15:24:56 GMT -5 theoriginalbean said:

That was all super helpful! I need to read and reread a few times because some of these words are new to me 😂

I do have a Garmin, I thought about adding the cadence sensor but I'm also considering a Garmin update so 🤷🏼‍♀️

Good to know about the tightness of clothes. I'm not sure what I want so I'll probably just try things until I figure that out. I'm usually a tight gym shorts/lose shirt person so the whole tight jersey will take some getting used to.

I think I'm confusing tire/wheel so thank you for pointing that out! I feel like maybe I have no business even doing this but I have plenty of time so here we go!

If you don't want a tight jersey, look at mountain bike tops. They are not nearly as tight as a road jersey, most a pretty loose and look more like a technical tshirt.