Aotearoa Daily Kōrero 26/1/2024
Aotearoa Daily Kōrero 26/1/2024
Welcome to today’s daily kōrero!
Anyone can make the thread, first in first served. If you are here on a day and there’s no daily thread, feel free to create it!
Anyway, it’s just a chance to talk about your day, what you have planned, what you have done, etc.
So, how’s it going?
So I just ordered a cheapish bicycle today. Looking at helmets I'm so confused what to get, there are so many different types?
I haven't ridden a bike since I was a teen. Decided to get one mainly do some extra exercise. Also, any other essentials that I should consider getting?
Hi cycling commuter and weekend bike packer here, welcome to the club!
Before we start I just want to warn you that cycling, while a simple hobby is full of money sinks and gear envy. It's very easy to spend 10x more for something marginally better, I only mention this now because it took me way too long to figure this out.
On to gear recommendations:
A good lock - this should be at least 10%the cost of your bike, also make sure to learn to lock your bike properly (not just through the front wheel)
Spare tube(s) - while I agree a patch repair kit is great to have, repairing a tube when you're late, it's cold, and miserable is a hellish experience. especially for newbies, id recommend carrying a spare tube instead and just changing that. That way you can patch your original tube in the warmth of your home with a cuppa, much better experience. Swap it back when you're done and you're gravy.
Gloves - Everyone falls. Everyone. Gloves not only make your ride more comfortable, but they also protect your palms on the event that you scrape them after a tumble (I write this with scraped palms after not following my own advice and falling last weekend)
A basic repair kit - puncture repair, tyre levers, pump, multi tool w chain break, zipties and a metre or so of duct tape
Sunnies - bike specific glasses are a scam (at least for beginners), just have a pair on the bike at all times. This will make riding at dawn/dusk and in the rain more comfortable. Id recommend polarized with a fairly light tint, too dark and it'll be hard to ride in the rain with them.
A bike bag to store it all in - nothing fancy just good to have things off your body and on the bike so wouldn't recommend a backpack. This is the first place where you can spend a lot of money, but a good bike bag is never a bad investment.
The more you ride the more you'll come to realize what you need and don't need, you'll add a bunch to this list but I doubt there's anything you'll remove so it's a good starting place.
Thanks for all the advice. I've been guilty of gear acquisition syndrome in other hobbies before, so I'm definitely going in with a budget mindset. I was also looking at "better" more expensive adventure/touring bikes, but came to my senses to keep it cheaper for now. Now with all these additional things I didn't think about, I'm happy with my decision!
I don't actually need to use it for commuting right now (could always change in future though), mainly for exercise - but I like the idea of the bike bag + repair kit/spare tubes etc.
Ya really gotta try them on, but companies all have slightly different shapes, I believe - like shoes.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different handle bar/grip or seat combinations over time, too (although, getting saddle-sore is unavoidable if riding for periods of time)
Ah really, I'll go into a store once I get it and try some on.
Thanks, I have a feeling I'll get the urge to start swapping bits and pieces out eventually.
Puncture repair kit, and a set of cycle tools. When I was cycling I never left home without the ability to repair a puncture and get back. You won’t regret having them on hand.
Oh that's a good idea! Is there anything in particular with cycle tools that I should look for? I already have a bunch of tools for working on the car and around the house, was hoping that would do for now.
I should probably get one of those, I only ever do short trips (never more than maybe 3km from home or car). Always figured I could push or carry it that far if I had to.
Any suggestions for a good kit?