(Part 2) Best products from r/cycling

Like /u/jrm2191 said, Park Tool make some... comprehensive tool sets. Those prices are enough to make me choke, though. Your son's riding a ~$400 bike - I don't know how I would wrap my head around buying an $800 tool set, or even a $300 one.

But the tool sets are a good way to think about what tools you should buy. I'd get a basic tool set, fill in gaps, and upgrade selectively. What I'd do, in no particular order, would look like...

• cheap tool set ($40) (total $40)
  
• torque wrench ($50) (total $90)
  
• chain cleaning tool ($10) (total $100)
  
• cable cutting tool ($35) (total $135)
  
• maybe chain pliers? ($10) (total $145)
  
  At this point I would start thinking about upgrading the tools that your son will use all the time. The thing that stands out for me is hex tools. He might use Torx screws, but he'll definitely use metric hex tools
  
  
• some nice metric hex tools ($15) (total $160)
  
• some torx equivalents ($11) (total $171)
  
  Then probably nice meaty tire levers to make replacing tires and tubes easier
  
  
• tire levers ($9) (total $180)
  
  If you were looking to spend $300 or that range, then you'll notice you're way under that target. Feel free to start adding on some random nice things, like a portable multi-tool, which will pay off if he has an issue while out on a ride.
  
  
• Portable multi-tool ($25) (total $210)
  
  I'm running out of things that aren't "consumable" (like brake cables, housing, etc...), so for my last recommendation, nitrile work gloves! (they'll make cleanup a breeze)
  
  
• work gloves ($20) (total $230)
  
  There are tons of other things you could get (a bike stand, for instance) but at this point I'm getting a bit out of control. and there are tools I assume you have (e.g. a good screwdriver), but at some point I need to stop.
  
  And obviously feel free to mix and match whatever components you can afford/feel comfortable spending that much money on. One thing that might help would be to talk with him about what kind of work he does on his bike. He might be in desperate need of hex tools, but not treating himself to nice hex wrenches. That could be your quick, easy, cheap answer. Or similarly he might be nervously tightening bolts without a torque wrench, even in places that call for very precise amounts of torque. Again, easy answer regarding what to prioritize.
  
  Best of luck
  
  edit: totals didn't add up right, sorry!

> because now I'm afraid of them

Literally everybody crashes at least once. Please don't let that scare you off. I've dumped a couple of times and, of fucking course, there were people watching. It's happened to all of us. If you want to practice, a narrow hallway in your home is probably ideal. You can practice on a grassy field but you're a lot more likely to fall when you're going slow on grass which could further discourage you.

>I put some tiny platform pedals on and ride in my stiffest soled shoes.

Hey, if that's what works for you, that's what works for you. I've been trying to convince people for years that the biggest benefit of clipless pedals is the stiff soled shoe. I ran "clipless," stiff soled, shoes for quite a while with half-clip toe cages and it was awesome. Actually picking up clipless pedals and cleats was a marginal improvement over the stiff soled shoe. I think the people that wear floppy "walkable" clipless shoes that look like typical street shoes are deluding themselves about the benefit of using cleats.

I would, however, suggest picking up something with a bigger platform if that's the way you're going to go. Ideally a single sided MKS pedal with a half-clip or a full toe clip and strap setup. Single sided platform pedals look nicer, weigh less, and often have a feature to help you flip the pedal into place and insert your foot. Example 1, 2, 3, 4

Seriously dude, if you're wigged out at the idea of riding clipless again, pull the cleat off your shoes and give them a try on your platform pedals. If you think it feels good, then invest in some half-clips/full-clips and compatible pedals (the soles of clipless pedals don't play nicely with the grippy bits of platform pedals and the toe clip will keep your foot from slipping around).

As long as it's not way too small or large for you, that's a good buy. I own a vintage road bicycle and enjoy it more than most modern bicycles I've ridden. That being said, my recommendations:

• Get a tune-up for sure, but don't paint it. It looks fine!
  
• Get some nice bar tape (perhaps cork?) and replace that nasty stuff
  
• Adjust your seat, it looks quite low; at the bottom of your pedal stroke your leg should be almost fully extended
  
• Since you have a quill stem, you can also easily drop your handlebars further down, or pull them further up probably
  
• Just as a word of precaution, you should invest in a nice pump with a gauge like this and check your tire pressure every few days (at least).
  
  Peugeots are definitely solid vintage road bicycles. I would have bought this if it were on my local Craigslist. As others have said, these are also great to convert to single speeds or fixies, but I'd keep it as a road bike. However if you wanted to sell it at a later date and you live near a college, it might be easier to sell it as a fixie ;).
  
  Congrats, enjoy the ride.

For the pedals you currently have, it's going to be hard to find cleats, as these are rather old.

If you replace your pedals, you can even use mtb pedals (spd cleats) and mtb shoes. These are usually easier to walk on, but have the disadvantage of being less efficient for pedaling, but only slightly. If you go with proper road pedals, you're probably looking at 3-bolt patterned cleats, so your shoes should accept 3-bolt cleats. Of course, there's also 2-bolt patterned cleats for road bikes, like eggbeaters and spd (non-sl). And yes, you can get shoes that accept both type of cleats. The good news is that pedals usually come with cleats, if you're getting shoes at the same time, make sure they're compatible.


As for the bonus, check your tires, bar tape, maybe even the saddle. Definitely get your drivetrain checked, but that would have come back as recommended upgrades from your LBS.

I ride with a Cygolite 850 lumen on my helmet and a Cygolite Dash 450 lumen on my bars. I have a Cygolite Hotrod on the back of my helmet and another one on the bottom of my backpack.

When commuting in the city, you might think you need fewer lumens, because there's a lot of ambient light to help you see. But the point of lights in the city isn't primarily to help you see the road; it's to make you stand out from the rest of the lights (this is what happens when you don't). That means having especially bright lights is actually more important in the city.

I like my headlight combo because having a nice bright spotlight on my helmet allows me to aim with my eyes - especially useful for shining in the driver's side windows of vehicles turning onto my road from side streets, driveways, and parking lots - the people least likely to see me at night. The bar light has an option that flashes while maintaining a steady light, which draws the attention of drivers, but doesn't suffer from the problem of purely flashing front lights, which is that it makes it difficult for a driver to estimate how far away I am or how fast I'm moving.

I recommend having two back lights, mounting them at different heights, and keeping them on flash. The Hotrods have a wide light splash pattern, which means, again, that side visibility is good.

All the Cygolite products I've tried so far are nice and bright, easy and versatile mounting options, and have good battery life.

If you're using tubs... or tubeless (can't remember which), I can't help you much from experience, but I can tell you Lezyne makes some beautiful and well-engineered products and you'll need a shock pump to seat the tubular or tubeless tires onto the rim, so I would feel confident recommending this Lezyne floor pump.

On the other hand, if you run clinchers, I've had good luck with this Topeak Joe Blow pump, rated for up to something like 160psi

Also, you likely already know, but just in case, here's /r/triathlon

Tools. Most people don't have proper bike tools, so that would be a great surprise. You can either get a decent multi-tool (get one with a chain-breaker and tire wrenches) or a variety of Park Tools. Here are some Park Tools that I find invaluable: 3-way hex, chain cleaning tools, pedal wrench, and/or a chain whip

This bar tape is amazing 3mm Fizik performance. Tape should be replaced semi-regularly, but most people don't, so it would be a great surprise gift. Black looks good on almost every bike.

For people new to clipless I like to recommend mountainbike SPD pedals and for them to use the SH-56 multi-release cleat. They pop out with your foot simply twisting, just angle your ankle slightly and they'll release. It's nearly as easy to unclip them as it is to take your foot off a platform pedal.

As a bonus they help you work on your technique since you need to focus on keeping your feet properly on the pedal but you get the benefits of clipless when you need it. Plus MTB shoes are easy to walk in.

After you get used to the multi-release cleat you can switch to the standard cleat which requires rotating your foot. Then eventually you can make your way to road clipless SPD-SL's or Look.

As for getting started, you should clip in your right foot and be ready to go. Don't worry about clipping in your left foot, just pedal to you can focus on clipping in and then do it. With clipless you only need one leg to propel the bike ;)

Honestly, for under $50, I'd go with a smart phone mount and Strava on your phone UNLESS you don't have a waterproof phone and may ride in the rain.

You're going to compromise a lot at that price point. If you just want a dedicated cycling computer for cheap, you can go with something like
https://www.amazon.com/CAT-EYE-Computer-Odometer-Speedometer/dp/B007YV1GM4/ref=sr_1_10

And then save up for a better computer if you find it doesn't meet your needs.

Is there some functionality you're looking for specifically?

Get a good book on bicycle maintenance. There are lots out there but I like Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. If you're new to the whole thing it might feel overwhelming. Start with simple things like cleaning your drive train. You're probably also short on tools and all the specialized bike tools can get expensive. I'd recommend a starter tool kit from Park Tool. While you're there check out the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair. If you think you'll really get into it think about buying a bicycle work stand. It makes working on a bike a whole lot easier which will make you want to do it more often.

Not sure if this is applicable, but Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is really good. I just picked up a copy and have been slowly making adjustments to my bike. It's really helpful.

There is also one for Mountain Bikes as well, which may better serve you.

I seem to be an evangelist for RideWithGPS lately... I love the program and use it in combination with my Zephyr HxM and my Wahoo SC Blue Cadence/Speed sensor . The RideWithGPS screen can be configured to show you the data you want to know - such as cadence, avg cadence, speed, heart rate, etc.

I can generally get a good 4 to 5 hours of ride data using my phone, with the screen mostly turned off. About 3 hours if I am checking everything continuously.

For longer rides, 2-3+hours, i prefer these... Bib Tights,Sponeed Men's Bike Shorts Bibs Pants Short with Padding L White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRCQ3N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fhCxzbEZSJFXG



Looks like these have the same padding as the other set i linked... Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts, Excellent Performance and Better Fit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HUNDFOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_q6Oyzb743CE6S

For free-standing, this one is great. I had 4 bikes at my old apartment and had two of these racks side by side in my entry-way. If you want to hang them vertically, the link below is a great one.

free-standing

vertical wall mount

give it a thorough clean and degrease with a chain scrubber and a round of WD40 (to clean off the rust) and then a second round with a citrus degreaser. Important to let it dry fully before patiently and thoroughly applying a good quality wet lube. At the very least, wipe down the chain of any residual moisture after each wet weather ride, and re-lube when needed.

I use the ParkTool chain cleaner but there are others from Finish Line and BBB which seem very good.

I've been good with a 450 lumen Cygolite on the front, and a Bontrager Flare R on the back.

But the Cygolite Hotshot Pro is a really good taillight too (guys in my group run them), so I'd recommend picking up a combo pack, like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/CYGOLITE-LIGHT-COMBO-METRO-HOTSHOT/dp/B07545T4Y9/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=cygolite+combo&qid=1550174357&s=gateway&sr=8-5

​

Also, I always run two taillights for redundancy, I've had my tail light stop working before, and I didn't know, so consider picking up a lower cost hotshot as well, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cygolite+hotshot&qid=1550174600&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I am a huge fan of steady rack! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N9BUEY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have six of them mounted in my garage, two of the fat bike versions and 4 regular. They swing left to right so you can mount your bike then swing it out of the way. Very easy on and off as well.

​

edit: main website https://www.steadyrack.com

Alright dude, this is the final question. I just wanna make sure that these will suit the shoe I showed you above? Thanks in advance man cause I know you'll come through :)

Edit: these are the shoes.

I commute to work at night as well. I use a Cygolite Expillion 350 headlight on the front and two Planet Bike Superflash taillights on the back. I also wear a yellow traffic safety vest with retro-reflective stripes.

I have been riding at night for more than a year now without incident. I have been told by a coworker who passed me riding to work at night that he could see me a half mile away, lit up and glowing like a Christmas tree. All of this stuff will cost about $100, but it could save your life.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NW882KM/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_3_w

+

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Trac-Magnetic-Bicycle-Trainer/dp/B017KYFEKY/ref=lp_9272312011_1_1?srs=9272312011&ie=UTF8&qid=1483419214&sr=8-1


This can get you started for under $200 you can also get the fluid version of this trainer for an extra $40.

I personally went this route. I wanted to be sure I will make good use of zwift before I spend a lot more $$ on a smart trainer. Plus by the time next winter comes the barrier of entry on the smart trainers will obviously drop.

I have this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07545T4Y9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_-e-6Cb6PTKRYH

It does everything you want and is a cool hundred cheaper. The tail light is so bright my kids instant in riding in front. 800 lumens, the highest setting, it's roughly equivalent to a car headlight. You'll generally only use the low or medium brightness at night, blinky during the day.

My son has an equivalent setup from NiteRider. All good stuff, highly recommended.

I've got a TCR Advanced too!

Here's what I use on both my mountain and road bikes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_M1PAzbFHBZ9AA

And my shoes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O2JMCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z3PAzbXKEGNZ8

A little lower priced than most suggestions here.

It's worked perfectly, but I would stay away from the less expensive SPD pedals not made by shimano, they don't feel nearly as good.

Washing the shorts is extremely important. I don't get saddle sores, and and I wash my shorts after every ride.

Although saddles sores happen, it's not considered a "normal" part of riding, and can become quite painful and even can require being lanced and drained by a Dr.

I suggest you buy some cheap padded liners from Amazon and wear them under running shorts or something. (I used to use these before I surrendered to full blown lycra:https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Coolmax-Bicycle-Cycling-Underwear/dp/B00CWVP9YC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540914170&sr=8-3&keywords=biking+liner+shorts)

They're pretty comfortable, and affordable. Buy 5 pairs for commuting. (Or however many days you need them.)

I also recommend Something like no sweat detergent for washing shorts: https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Detergent-Sport-No-Sweat/dp/B01150VK2A/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540914403&sr=8-3&keywords=no%2Bsweat%2Bdetergent&th=1 (Smaller bottles are available.)

Not clothing but the best 7 bucks I ever spent was swapping stock grips for these - 1/3 the price of Ergons

Best 10 bucks I ever spent - ever

Previously , after 5-7 miles in shorts + reg briefs on my stock Bontrager SSR seat that came with my Soho I would be going home to recover. Crippled the next day. Did not want to go near a bike for days.

Now I do 50 miles and the next day I'm fine.

For those looking for some loose shorts with zip pockets and padding - these are 20 USD + ship

Bought the (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Deluxe-2-Bike-Trunk-Mount/dp/B000ELUXFC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1368591649&sr=1-1) Not that long ago and it's been working really great so far. I've taken 2 bikes on it going 60 and hitting mild bumps in the road and railroad tracks. A little budge, but not much movement. It's pretty secure. With that said, I don't think I would take it on long road trips, because the little budge that it does make sometimes worries me.

I really like Planet Bike's Superflash. I've got a couple of these. They're cheap, durable, and bright. There's likely a strap on your saddle bag to attach it to. Also, it will keep you street legal since you need to have a red light/reflector on your bike in Ohio.

You don't need anything as expensive as those - although they are good!

I would personally recommend these http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425894661&sr=8-1&keywords=Shimano+520

They will work with any MTB/SPD type shoes. Such as these http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Off-Road-Sport-Cycling-Shoes/dp/B008K3P6VW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1425894703&sr=8-6&keywords=Shimano+cycling+shoes

For my small apartment, I bought this off Amazon. It leans up against the wall and can be used as a bike stand for maintenance.

Edit: For $50 it's been great: amazon link

I'm using the same light, I paid around $65 for mine a year ago. I don't see the 500 on Amazon anymore, but I do see the 550 for only $46.54. That's a really good deal.

I use 3 of these in my apartment, holding 2 road bikes and a commuter. They're raised/offset to ensure handlebars don't hit each other and can get bikes closer together. I liked this hook because it's cheap and has a tire "bump" to keep from scuffing walls.


Delta Cycle Leonardo Da Vinci Single Bike Storage Rack Hook Hanger with Tire Tray for Vertical Indoor Garage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGTTEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ee35BbNCMC650

Yes, get a torque wrench. I have this one and it definitely doesnt feel cheap. Only works in one direction to you cant use it one pedal

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/VENZO-Bicycle-Torque-Wrench-Socket/dp/B00811WQT8

This looks like it could fit in my shirt pocket http://www.amazon.com/CDI-Torque-Products-TorqControl-Screwdriver/dp/B00IQBIHA0

I use the Wahoo Blue SC Speed and Cadence Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NW882KM/

Works well for me. Assuming you have an iPad that can support, you can sync via Bluetooth and a Bluetooth enabled sensor or trainer.

At that price, you don't get GPS, but you may be able to get wireless. I have a strong preference for Cateye from years of reliable service. Wireless is easier to deal with when installing or doing maintenance on the bike, but the wired computers are silly cheap.

EDIT: Stupid cheap: https://www.amazon.com/CAT-EYE-Computer-Odometer-Speedometer/dp/B007YV1GM4/
Cheap wireless: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DS4AJEG/

When I had a condo I used one of these in a closet to increase our storage. It worked really well.

Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ACAM38?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm just rereading your post and I'm thinking of buying some of the things you mentioned. I'm specifically thinking about degreasing my drive chain.

Would you confirm for me that these are good purchases?

Chain cleaning gizmo:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007Q4NCZI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497653406&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bike+chain+cleaner&dpPl=1&dpID=51NbNChbn9L&ref=plSrch

Simple green (liquid and spray)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DORUJS4/ref=psdcmw_10802561_t1_B01HNCCIB6

I think I will stick with the Lezyne Strip for my rear.
I'm considering these for the front though:

https://www.amazon.com/Dash-Pro-450-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B013FIYLTE/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479055162&sr=1-7&keywords=cygolite

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479055162&sr=1-1&keywords=cygolite

Not sure the Lezyne 400xl Micro Drive will light up the streets enough and a lot of people are recommending Cygolite so must be good brand.

These are what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-149319-PD-M530-Mountain-Pedals/dp/B0052XXW32/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1550375886&sr=1-1&keywords=pd-m530

I got them for the same reason, that I thought I might want to ride without clipping in from time to time. However, I always clip in and never ride the flat sides. If I were buying today, I would buy something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-PD-M520L-Clipless-Bike-Pedals/dp/B000KC3Y0G/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1550375990&sr=1-8&keywords=spd+pedals

I have two bikes hanging from these wall mounts on my <500sqft apartment. I made sure to mount the 30 lb steel commuter into a stud. The carbon race bike is mounted to screw-in drywall anchors and it's been fine for over a year.

I recently got the Cygolight Metro 550. I've tried several other lights, and this has been the first one that didn't disappoint in one way or another.

You'll have to stretch your budget a little, but worth it IMHO.

Topeak JoeBlow Sport II is the most common floor pump I see used in bike shops around here. I've had one in use for about ten years and never had problem. Highly recommended.

I have the Zefal "Cristophe" Mountain Bicycle Half Toe Clips mentioned above along with the Wellgo Fixed Gear Platform Pedals and they work great. The half clips come in two sizes - I'm a men's size 10 and the S/M puts my foot pretty much where I want it. The pedals have a "flip tab" built in so they're easy to filp around when starting off. This combo gives me security with some "float" to give my knees a break.

I was sold on Power Grips for a while but you have to keep an outward twist pressure on them to keep them tight while riding. They ultimately were too hard on my knees and I switched to the combo described above.

be sure to get a copy of zinn's book: https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1934030988

I drive a 2013 Infiniti G37x. I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELUXFC/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fits two bikes, works fine for me.

I was using Shimano PD-M520 MTB Pedals. Here is the amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374823558&sr=8-2&keywords=shimano+pedals

I use this one at home and it's remarkably sturdy. We've had a few small earthquakes and it's never fallen or dropped a bike, and I don't have it anchored to the wall or anything.

Delta Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ACAM38/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_zY8yub0TZKF3P

I used to fall all the time. Then I got these based on a recommendation on this forum. Have not fallen since.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029LIYE2.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934030988/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qqqMzb0NX0S76

And there's an mtb version if that's your flavor. It'll teach you anything you could want to know about working on a bike

I used this before, they are underwear, and I also bought another similar one from another seller http://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Coolmax-Bicycle-Cycling-Underwear/dp/B00CWVP9YC/ , turns out the latter one is more suitable for me.

To learn about bikes, riding, and culture or how to fix them?

For maintenance this is a good start (or the MTB version): http://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1934030988/ref=la_B001JP36Q0_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413652170&sr=1-1

buy Zinn's book: https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1934030988

I'd add Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance to the list.

zen & the art of road bike maintenance is relatively cheap and is a giant text book of everything you would need to know from basic repairs to finetuning the smallest of parts.

> disregard

discard?

zinn is a book that's mentioned a fair amount. seconding co-ops.