First time riders checklist
First time riders checklist
New Riders Checklist
Newbie Rides often ask “What should I bring with me?” so here’s a list to help get you started
The only three things we insist upon are a;
1) mobile phone with a contact number under ‘Emergency Contact’2) helmet – when buying one, generally the more you spend the better the protection3) water bottle/holder or rucksack water carrier
everything else is optional.
Clothing
You don’t need specialised kit, but there’s a good reason why do. The materials are breathable, wicking tops make the ride more comfortable. Whatever you wear prepare for it to get dirty!
• Lycra cycle shorts or baggies with shorts inserts•
Waterproof jacket compact for keeping bag•
Gloves are useful for longer rides (fingerless during summer)•
Shoes – Trainers work fine for normal pedals but some prefer the security of SPD (clip less) pedals. You can find bargains in places like Decathlon, and occasionally Aldi •
Sports Glasses ideally the ones with replaceable lens/clear/tinted etc. start at around £20
Food/Drink
• Some of the longer rides are challenging, you will need extra food and liquid, so here are some ideas•
Powerbars if not the expensive ones try some of the fruity soft types from the supermarket•
Hi carb foods like banana and malt loaf are popular•
Water or proprietary sports drink if you prefer. Some riders can survive with 500ml bottles but others can consume 2 litres over a four hour ride, especially in the summer.
In case of mechanical breakdown
•
Spare tube - make sure it’s the right one Presta (road bike) or Schrader (car type)•
Puncture repair kit - Patches are useful but not great in poor weather•
Small pump•
Replacement links for chain - link connectors from SRAM are great at around £3 check which speed chain-set you have as these differ (e.g., 9, 10 etc.)•
Rear hanger (on many new bikes this component holds the rear derailleur in place and often snaps on a muddy ride) and at around £12-£20 worthwhile keeping in the bag•
Multi-Tool make sure it has the relevant size allen keys for your bike.
IF YOU ARE DO BREAKDOWN THEN WE PROMISE THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE LEFT BEHIND AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE ON HAND TO GIVE GUIDANCE.
And just in case;
•
Emergency money and if it’s not required then you can spend it in the pub later.
New Riders Checklist
Newbie Rides often ask “What should I bring with me?” so here’s a list to help get you started
The only three things we insist upon are a;
1) mobile phone with a contact number under ‘Emergency Contact’
2) helmet – when buying one, generally the more you spend the better the protection
3) water bottle/holder or rucksack water carrier
everything else is optional.
Clothing
You don’t need specialised kit, but there’s a good reason why do. The materials are breathable, wicking tops make the ride more comfortable. Whatever you wear prepare for it to get dirty!
• Lycra cycle shorts or baggies with shorts inserts
•
Waterproof jacket compact for keeping bag
•
Gloves are useful for longer rides (fingerless during summer)
•
Shoes – Trainers work fine for normal pedals but some prefer the security of SPD (clip less) pedals. You can find bargains in places like Decathlon, and occasionally Aldi
•
Sports Glasses ideally the ones with replaceable lens/clear/tinted etc. start at around £20
Food/Drink
• Some of the longer rides are challenging, you will need extra food and liquid, so here are some ideas
•
Powerbars if not the expensive ones try some of the fruity soft types from the supermarket
•
Hi carb foods like banana and malt loaf are popular
•
Water or proprietary sports drink if you prefer. Some riders can survive with 500ml bottles but others can consume 2 litres over a four hour ride, especially in the summer.
In case of mechanical breakdown
•
Spare tube - make sure it’s the right one Presta (road bike) or Schrader (car type)
•
Puncture repair kit - Patches are useful but not great in poor weather
•
Small pump
•
Replacement links for chain - link connectors from SRAM are great at around £3 check which speed chain-set you have as these differ (e.g., 9, 10 etc.)
•
Rear hanger (on many new bikes this component holds the rear derailleur in place and often snaps on a muddy ride) and at around £12-£20 worthwhile keeping in the bag
•
Multi-Tool make sure it has the relevant size allen keys for your bike.
IF YOU ARE DO BREAKDOWN THEN WE PROMISE THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE LEFT BEHIND AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE ON HAND TO GIVE GUIDANCE.
And just in case;
•
Emergency money and if it’s not required then you can spend it in the pub later.