Advice on lights/pedals/water bottle etc

[pyrider]

Just bought a 2011 Cannondale super size (4 - rival) and am super excited. Have not ridden much, but expect to ride 30-40 miles a weekend. Mostly early morning in CT.

Any advice on what accessories should I get for my bike?

- Lights (front and back)
- Clip on pedals and shoes
- Water bottle
- pump/tire patch kit

Thanks,

pyrider

 

[jpr95]

I carry two Camelbak water bottles when I ride (filled with Gatorade). They're 22 oz, and they have a straw inside and a bite valve, so they're easier to drink from while riding--you don't have to tilt your head way back or grip the bottle in a funky way to squirt it into your mouth.

If you ride only during the day, I'd skip the front light. Make sure the rear light is very bright and has a flashing pattern (more attention-getting). The more random the pattern, the better.

I'd get an under-seat wedge pack, and in addition to a patch kit, carry an extra tube. Change to the new tube on the road, but patch the one with the hole at home. Keep the spare tube in it's box when it's in your seat pack so that it doesn't get punctured prematurely by other items in the pack.

Get a multi-tool. There's nothing worse than something loosening up on your bike with no way to readjust it and tighten it when you're miles from home. You're either stuck riding that way (which could cause an injury), or having to call someone to pick you up.

Have fun and be safe riding!

 

[pyrider]

[COLOR= rgb(24, 24, 24)]>> Camelbak water bottles when I ride[/COLOR]

[COLOR= rgb(24, 24, 24)]Do you just have holders for them on your bike?[/COLOR]

[COLOR= rgb(24, 24, 24)]>>[/COLOR] Make sure the rear light is very bright and has a flashing pattern

Any suggestion on which light I should get?

>> I'd get an under-seat wedge pack, and in addition to a patch kit, carry an extra tube

Should I opt for a large wedge pack or smaller one. I'm guessing all of them are single size and should fit my bike?

>> Again, any suggestion on a multi pack?

 

[pyrider]

For the multi tool, I'm leaning towards:

http://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/hexus2

 

[danfoz]

I think jpr's assuming two bottle cages. It's a good idea anyway even when you don't ride long enough to use 2 bottle you can use one of the "conversion" bottles that hold keys, tools, etc instead of the saddle bag - or use one for h2o and one for energy drink.

As long as it's got a chain tool, which usually comes after hex/screw/phillips in the order of hierarchy, the topeak you linked to should be ok.

Saddle bags can differ greatly in size so get the one you think you'll need. Personally I don't need one as all of my tools patches gear id phone wallet mini-pump co2 snacks spare rain cap etc fit in my jersey.