Kitting myself out

The reviews are hilarious:

"Size is crucial with the Mankini and as the first one I received was definitely too long I had to exchange it. This was no problem and I was delighted when I received my very own perfectly fitting lime green Mankini. It caused a sensation on the beach at Saltcoats I can tell you. It is a big hit with the ladies. They never stopped staring at me all day. I had a wonderful time, and though it came off once while swimming I managed to get it back on without anyone noticing.
There was a problem later however as someone stole my clothes and as the sun went down it got damn cold. I had to hitch a lift back home. Bloody awkward. No one would stop. Crowds of people gathered outside pubs as I walked by shivering. Lots of shouting and course comments. Eventually a car did stop. It was the police. they wanted an 'explanation". Well I ended up spending the night in the cells. Otherwise a thoroughly good buy."

This sounds as if it was posted by wiganwill.

'Absolutely. Thank Labour for the NJS...'

(fixed)

This sounds as if it was posted by wiganwill.

Perhaps you could take a page or two to explain why? :)

my dad used to run marathons but then his knees sorta gave out. he was at a point where he could barely walk they hurt so much. it was really sad to see him in that state, a man who's used to being active and healthy reduced to sitting in a chair. he had replacement surgery and now he's fine! he's probably not going to run again, but he's taken to cycling again to be active. we do live in a pretty amazing time!

my knees, btw, are a bit dodgy from years of skating and snowboarding. if anything, riding a fixed seems to have sorted them out a bit.

Perhaps you could take a page or two to explain why? :)

Will a list do?

What about cleaning stuff?

What is the minimum I can use cheaply?

Dont bother with that! Just get some chain lube.

What about cleaning stuff?

What is the minimum I can use cheaply?

Hot soapy water will do for the frame and wheels. A bottle of degreaser for the chain will help keep it running smooth; don't forget to dry it and re-oil it though. You don't need a lot of oil; the chain shouldn't be dripping with it. Keeping your chain in order reduces wear on the other bits and saves you money in the long run. I use a nail brush from the corner shop; nice stiff bristles that get between the links and cheap too.

Hot soapy water will do for the frame and wheels. A bottle of degreaser for the chain will help keep it running smooth; don't forget to dry it and re-oil it though. You don't need a lot of oil; the chain shouldn't be dripping with it. Keeping your chain in order reduces wear on the other bits and saves you money in the long run. I use a nail brush from the corner shop; nice stiff bristles that get between the links and cheap too.

So the chain cleaning things are not worth it?

I've used Muc Off on my old MTB before but I think water is probably less faff, especially with discs (which admittedly I don't have on this new one)

Soap and water, rinse very well. Elbow grease.

Dear Paul-Michel, stop worrying and just ride.

Your bike won't collapse on the first ride because you didn't prepare. If something is broken, fix it. You don't need to train for commuting. If you are cold, buy more layers. Just get a good lock.

... but make sure you know your route. do what i do. find the quickest route using google maps. trace it into your a to z. i use green for downhill gradients, black for flats and red for uphill sections. commit the route to memory and visualise yourself travelling it several times the day before. sometimes, if it's an important commute, i'll ride it several times before hand and time myself so i know exactly how long it's going to take. if not, i'll always at least take a taxi along the route so i can be aware of any potential problems. it's handy to know an alternative route, in case of diversions. carefully planning ahead and considering every eventuality means no surprises. good luck, and be careful out there!

Dear Paul-Michel, stop worrying and just ride.

You don't need to train for commuting.

... but make sure you know your route. do what i do. find the quickest route using google maps. trace it into your a to z. i use green for downhill gradients, black for flats and red for uphill sections. commit the route to memory and visualise yourself travelling it several times the day before. sometimes, if it's an important commute, i'll ride it several times before hand and time myself so i know exactly how long it's going to take. if not, i'll always at least take a taxi along the route so i can be aware of any potential problems. it's handy to know an alternative route, in case of diversions. carefully planning ahead and considering every eventuality means no surprises. good luck, and be careful out there!

Take your pick.

So the chain cleaning things are not worth it?

I've used Muc Off on my old MTB before but I think water is probably less faff, especially with discs (which admittedly I don't have on this new one)

I hear that they work well but are they worth the price? Cleaning a chain isn't difficult.

Paul-Michel

Ride your bike. quickly you will discover the things you need.

To be honest quite a few of my purchases have been because the situation forced me to (eg overshoes when it was pissing down).

In london you are never that far from a bike shop.

You sound like the worrying boy scout type (not a boy scout worrier for clarification) which is similar to me. Though if I had started riding with all the junk I carry now (toolkit waterproofs etc) it would probably have put me off cycling alltogether.

I used to be in the cadets, so I've never dropped the fantasy of playing soliders. And as any Andy McNab fan will tell you, the real SAS moto is not he who dares wins but he who prepares wins. :)

do, or do not.
funny how it sounds like you've got a new fantasy of riding bikes, instead of actually riding it, as did you not send an app to the mod.

Not send an app to the mod - whats that?

application to the ministry of defence?

application to the ministry of defence?

Deaf in one ear, never could. :(

I hear that they work well but are they worth the price? Cleaning a chain isn't difficult.

1+ a quick wipe with a cloths should keep it running nice and smooth, my chain been the same for 6 months simply by wiping off the dirt and grim off that tend to wear the chain/cog down.

Some people grease it while others oil it dont they?

You have the choice between a runny, oily lube that will wash off in the rain or something thick and sticky which will stick more dirt and dust to the chain. Both has its advantages and disadvantages.

Just ordering some bibs, dhb cheap but good ones, but am confused.

What else do I need to wear? Do these go on the outside? So:

1. Base Layer
   
2. Warmer Top
   
3. Bibs
   
4. Jacket
   
   

Is that correct?

you're not going to need cycling shorts for a commute, unless it's a really long one. don't bother with bib shorts. base layers are useful, but also not necessary.