 | Park Tool Super Patch Kit Buy new: $5.25 Must have patches - I like glue, but recently had the unfortunate experience of finding the glue dried out. Oops. Learn to patch without completely remove tire from rim. Then, you've made it. |
 | ChapStick Lip Moisturizer Conditioning Lip Balm, SPF 15, .35-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 12) Buy new: $27.48 Actually, I use a small sample size one with exfoliating beads in it. My lips get dried out and nasty on long windy rides. Tubes over stick = no melting. Also, dab a small amount at any puncture sites so you can easily find it if you pull the tube off the tire when you get a flat. This way you can check the inside of the tire more easily for damage/debris. |
 | Avenir Bigmouth Velcro Seat Bag (Medium- 55/73 Cubic Inches) Buy new: $12.39 This fits well - more importantly it is compact enough that it works with my Aqua Rack. |
 | Polar Insulated Water Bottle Buy new: $5.89 - $255.98 Shop around for these (there are several product listings for the same thing). These work really well for summer and I like the pull strap. I have 3 - 1 on bike frame, 2 in the Aqua Rack. 24 oz. |
 | CamelBak Podium Bottle Buy new: $12.99 This is my preferred winter/gym bottle. It has an interesting, but easy to use valve. Lots of the girls I ride with use the insulated bottle too, but I have an easier time getting water out with the Polar insulated bottle. |
 | Banjo Brothers Top Tube Bag I can see my phone. :-) If I have to carry extra stuff too, this is a plus. |
 | Serfas RX-Glove Women's Lite I actually use these and the Serfas Zen cycling glove (Sierra Trading Post). The pull tab at the fingers really set these apart. I have tiny hands and the smalls actually fit. Shebeest gloves also fit, but the finger edges felt frayed to me, which chafed a bit. There is a full-fingered style that is good for winter too. |
 | Topeak Survival Tool Wedge Pack with Fixer Buy new: $36.00 I started out with this. It comes with a fixer and rain cover, so it good if you are price strapped. I had to fix the attachment bracket with some liquid nails once. If you have a race/road saddle, you will probably need a different bracket. |
 | Topeak F22 Wedge Pack Fixer for Racing Style Rail Saddle Buy new: $15.00 This allowed me to put the topeak bag on my road bike. The one that came with it is attached to my hybrid and I can easily transfer the bag (I just have to remember to switch my spare tubes). |
 | TUBES SLIME LITE 700x28/35 Presta Valve Buy new: $10.99 I use this on my hybrid. It does not work as well on my road bike, but works VERY well for little stickers all over the road in late summer. |
 | Topeak Road Morph G Bike Pump with Gauge Buy new: $29.32 / Used from: $22.50 Best frame pump EVER. I made the mistake of buying an eensy weensy little one at first. This is just way more practical for people who go on long rides solo or in pairs. |
 | Innovations Ultraflate Plus CO2 Buy new: $13.98 I own one. I've never felt the need to use it because the morph is so handy, but I'm sure my teammates will appreciate me getting on the road faster if I have a flat in their presence (knock on wood). I bought the cartridges in bulk following a few reviewer's suggestions. |
 | 16 Gram Threaded CO2 Cartridge - 12 Pack Buy new: $19.45 These work at a better price if you go CO2 |
 | Planet Bike Lunar Levers and Bike Tire Patch Kit Combo Buy new: $3.99 These are a little thick, but they work for me. |
 | Ziploc Sandwich Bags - 125-Count Buy new: $7.72 Keep spare tubes in bags. Seriously. You do not want to puncture your spare tube with your tool or something in your pack. Also good for holding a copy of your ID and insurance card, credit card... I put a few small tools (crank tool, levers, patches) in one too just to keep them together. Good for your phone when it rains. |
 | Sunlite Bar Tender 2 Handlebar Bag (244 c.i.) I use this on my hybrid. Good for library trips, trips to the gym... |
 | Planet Bike Comfort GEL Road Bike Handlebar Tape with Reflective Bar Plugs Buy new: $13.99 - $19.99 I like the pink camo |
 | Fi'zi:k Bar Gel & Bar Tape Kit Bar gel is a must have in my book. |
 | Topeak Alien II 26-Function Bicycle Tool Buy new: $26.75 You need a multi-tool. ALWAYS have hex wrenches. Always, always, always! |
 | Cateye CC-RD200 Strada Cadence Bicycle Computer Buy new: $34.98 / Used from: $31.42 I used to be all about the wireless, but kept having problems with interference and battery life. If you are going to use a trainer, you will love having the speed sensor on the rear tire! I installed this in about 15 minutes and have had no trouble with it. The main unit is VERY tiny, so if you have older eyes, be warned. |
 | CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Buy new: $165.00 / Used from: $135.00 I love this for late nights or rainy weather. |
 | Eleven81 Hi-Rise 1 1/8 Inch Threadless Road Bicycle Stem - 31.8mm x 35 Degree Buy new: $15.89 - $20.39 My bike stem was older and had a smaller diameter. Also, I felt like the reach was a little long for my short torso/long legs. This worked well. |
 | Dimension - 31.8 38cm, Flat Top, Shallow Road Bar Buy new: $30.57 Your handlebars should be about as wide (not wider) than your shoulders. I had some wrist and shoulder discomfort until I switched to this narrower bar with a shallow reach (better for us, ladies IMHO). |
 | Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats Buy new: $32.75 These are close to what I have. I like a MTB pedal b/c I can get in/out faster and if I choose to use the spin bike at the gym, I don't need an extra pair of shoes. The downside is poorer power distribution and shoe choices. Good for rides under 40-50 miles, but after that I would prefer to have a road pedal. If you buy a crank tool you can just switch them in/out and use both. |
 | Planet Bike 1007-3 Comp Floor pump with Love Handle (More Durable than OId Comp) Buy new: $29.45 A great floor pump that stands apart with side-by-side presta and schrader adaptors (no need to switch anything out) and easy color guide on gauge for all bikes (mountain through cyclocross). It makes a great seal as well, and is quick and easy to use. I keep one in my car. |
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