All of the equipment you need to get started cycling
When starting out cycling, there will be quite a substantial initial financial outlay, but this is worth it considering all the benefits you will receive from the sport.
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When buying new equipment, shop around to find reputable shops where the sales staff take a personal interest in your needs and are able to give good advice. You will want quality equipment that will last as well as giving you a comfortable ride.
You don't need top of the range equipment just yet, but neither do you want something that is about to fall apart! Why not try to find some good bargains on second hand bikes and other cycling equipment? This can be quite a challenge for the first-time buyer, so even if you plan to start with a second-hand bike, it will pay to spend a little time at the bike shop to learn something about cycling and related equipment.
The following are guidelines, although depending on your budget; you may be prepared to spend slightly more or less.
The Essentials:
A bicycle. Get a professional at one of the shops to help you find the bike that's the right size for you. Decide whether you want to do most of your riding off-road or on, as this will determine which bike you need - get a mountain bike or a hybrid of you're planning to do both, but if you want to get the most out of road-riding, then a road bike is best, because it is lighter (read - faster!) and with gearing and wheels more suited to road riding. Price range:
You will pay slightly more for the name brands such as Trek, Giant and Diamond Back than the lesser-known brands such as Avalanche and Genesis. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, of around R2 000, you are better off getting a lesser-known brand as you will get better value for money. Giant's lowest range is priced at R2 800 and has front suspension. For a bike with good features, which include the following, you can expect to pay between R2 000 and R3 500:
A light frame such as aluminium.
Good gears such as Shimano.
Front shock absorbers for mountain bike riding.
Rather purchase a decent bike that will last and make riding a pleasure as opposed to something cheap and heavy, which you won't feel like riding anyway! Some experts will recommend that you get the best bike that you can afford. However, this may be a bit risky if you find you do not enjoy cycling. The advantage is that if you do take to cycling, you will not need to upgrade your bike and lose heavily in the process, as you can only expect to sell your first bike for about half of what you paid for it.
Helmet: Make sure you buy a proper helmet i.e. one that will protect your head in the event of a fall - your brain has got to be one of your more valuable assets! The more expensive helmets fit better, are lighter and provide better ventilation. Helmets are important even for more experienced riders, so don't skimp on this piece of equipment - accidents happen all the time. Don't leave home without one! Price: Helmets start at R140 such as "The Extreme" and range up to R1 000. For R400, you can get the "Trek Vapour", which is more comfortable and cooler than "The Extreme".
Bicycle Pump: You will definitely need a bicycle pump for flat tyres. Good quality pumps cost upwards of R50.
Optional: You may like to stock up on this other equipment over time - you certainly don't need to buy it all at once!
Cycling bag: (Price: R30) A small cycling bag for the back of your cycling seat can be useful for filling with some of the following:
A Spare tube: Carrying a spare tube is really the only option for a puncture as you simply change the tube and can deal with the puncture when you get home. Price: R30
Puncture kit: Prevention is the best option, so watch where you ride. But, punctures are inevitable, and if you do get more punctures than you have spare tubes, having a puncture kit can save you a long walk. To reduce the frequency of punctures, you might want to invest in tyre liners, while liquid puncture sealants also work well. The local bike shop will be able to advise you on the best strategy.
A water bottle: A water bottle is essential for filling with water or energade to keep you energised and hydrated, especially on a hot day or long trip.
Price: R10 - R20
Bicycle lock: If you plan on leaving your bike at all, you will definitely need a bike lock. The D-Lock is very safe or you can get a chain, which has the advantage of going around both wheels. Price: R100 upward, depending on the quality.
Bike rack: If you only take one bike, you can pack it in the back of the car. However, if you are going to travel with a few bikes, you will need a bike rack to attach them to the back of the car. Price: Holdfast for 2 bikes (attach to tow bar): R575
Boot carrier: R460. Remember to keep your registration number visible! Some traffic departments generate easy revenue from your bike rack.
Lights: If you are riding at night, you will definitely need some lights (but wait to see if you actually do cycle at night!) Price: R160 for a set of front and rear lights, but again, there is a vast range of quality and price. Just as with all things related to cycling, bike shops will advise you on what would be most appropriate, and from there, it's between you and your wallet.
Sunglasses: It's important to have 100% UV-protected sunglasses rather than those from the fleamarket. Examples of such glasses: For the budget conscious: D'arc sunglasses: R130+. For the fashion conscious: R600 - R1000 Oakley, Rudy Project
Cycling clothes: Padded cycling shorts (without underpants, always) reduce chafing and improve comfort; these are a must. If you want to be a fashion victim, go for the brightest, most mismatched shirt and top - not entirely a bad choice since the brighter kits make you more visible. Cycling tops have pockets in which you can store snacks, a rain jacket or arm-warmers or T-shirt, and money for extra food or to phone home if your bike or legs fail you. There are a range of good names on the market such as Anatomic, Second Skins and Oggi. Price: Cycling top: R160+
Cycling shorts: R200+.
Clip on cycling shoes and pedals: These are now pretty much standard, although most mountain bikes usually come with the toe-clip pedals, so clipless pedals are an extra expense. For really slow social riding you could stick with the toeclips, but the clipless pedals are much more convenient and effective.
Price: Clipless pedals: R240. Cycling shoes: R300.
Cycling Computer: The more sophisticated cycling computers are able to monitor your heart rate, which can help you to train properly and provide an indicator of how your training is progressing. A heart rate monitor is not an essential item when starting out, unless you plan to train regularly and in a fairly structured way. Again, prices and quality vary, so ask your friendly dealer, but an example would be the Cateye Tomo. This cycling computer can tell you your speed, average speed, maximum speed, distance, total distance and has a stop watch and 24 hour clock function. Price: R159.
BODY iQ offers a range of services, some of which provide training programmes, which are designed relative to your training heart rate. To find out more, click here
Prepared in conjunction with Sports Scientist, Ian Rodger of CycleScience (Discovery Health High Performance Centre, Sports Science Institute). Ph: 021 659 5636.
(Megan Lloyd)
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