Items you'll want to get when you buy a bicycle
Here are some useful items to have when you buy your first bicycle.
From the many items available, Grumpy has picked out a few of its recommendations.
We will introduce them in three categories: "Safety & Security," "Maintenance," and "Cleaning."
◆Safety & Security
You store your bicycle at home, and when you go out, you always park it somewhere. It would be a shame if your beloved bicycle were stolen.
Also, if you come home late, you might end up riding in the dark.
Let's take proper precautions! The first items you'll want to have with your bicycle are lights and locks.
ABUS BORDO LITE MINI 6055K/60 ¥7,920
This is a sturdy, difficult-to-break, and compact bicycle lock.
It's great for carrying in your bag, or if you use a separately sold adapter, you can attach it to your bicycle, which is extremely convenient.
This plate-type lock can be used for both home storage and portability.
knog BLINDER 900 & BLINDER 100 ¥17,490
If you ride for too long because you're having so much fun, it might get dark before you know it.
While it might be fine where there are streetlights, in riverbeds or deep in the mountains, it can get pitch black and you might lose sight of your surroundings.
For such times, a somewhat brighter light is recommended.
With knog's 900-lumen front and rear light set, you'll be fine even in complete darkness.
If it's too bright, you can change the mode to extend the illumination time!
The rear light indicates your position to vehicles behind you. There's a huge difference in visibility whether you have it or not.
A must-see for iPhone users! SCOUT is an innovative bicycle security system that combines both warning and tracking functions.
This item will sound an alarm if your beloved bicycle is about to be tampered with, and if it's stolen, you can track it using its GPS function.
If you want to do your best to protect your precious bicycle, check this out!
When it comes to safety, a helmet is essential.
Even if you're careful while riding, a collision with a car can make a fall unavoidable.
Helmets are, of course, a precaution for emergencies, but another key point is that they allow air to circulate well around your head in hot weather, making them very cool.
There are many types, but what you should prioritize is fit and lightness.
Since you'll be wearing it for hours, try to try it on before choosing.
Also, a lighter helmet will prevent neck fatigue!
◆Maintenance
As you learn to maintain your bicycle yourself, your enjoyment of it will grow.
For example, you can fix a flat tire yourself on the road, or take your bike on a train to travel far away.
It's不思議 how much the ride comfort changes just by adjusting the saddle height by 1 cm.
If you're doing your own maintenance, the following items will be very useful!
Granite Design RocknRoll Tool ¥4,380
This is a classic portable tool that all Grumpy mechanics carry.
It has exactly the right screw sizes for disassembling and assembling bicycles, so with this one tool, you can handle most maintenance tasks.
The most common bicycle breakdown is a flat tire.
When you first try to fix a flat, you might struggle and find it hard to remove the tire.
Schwalbe's tire levers are thin and convenient for portability. They are very useful when attaching and detaching tires. Let's start with these!
Topeak E-BOOSTER DIGITAL Electric Pump ¥16,500
This is an ultra-compact, portable electric pump.
Regardless of tire width, it automatically refills air, which is "very easy."
If you want to inflate your tires easily at home or on the go, an electric pump is the way to go!
LEZYNE SPORT GRAVEL DRIVE ¥9,790
A floor pump is a convenient item to have at home. We recommend a high-volume type that can fill a lot of air at once.
This pump perfectly suits the modern tire situation (low-pressure operation) where tubeless-ready tires have become standard.
It is compatible with road, gravel, and mountain bikes, covering all categories.
As part of your daily maintenance, you might want to start by inflating your tires!
WTB TCS Rocket Tire Plug Kit ¥8,470
When using tubeless-ready tires, if you get a hole that sealant just can't fix, it's time for a repair kit.
The WTB Rocket Tire Plug includes an anchor in addition to the plugs found in standard repair kits, making it even less likely to come off during use after a repair.
It's definitely a must-have item for repairing tubeless tires.
◆Cleaning
Bicycles are machines, so they get dirty and break down with use.
However, if you want to use them carefully for as long as possible, daily maintenance is essential.
Even just a little oil on the chain can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly it rides!
Let's look at the basic cleaning kit for daily use!
Muc-off NANO TECH BIKE CLEANER 1L ¥2,190
This is a classic chemical for washing bikes that easily removes mud and dirt.
It's super easy: just spray it over the entire bike, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
It's made with biodegradable ingredients that are environmentally friendly, so you can rest assured when it washes away.
It cleans so easily that you'll want to wash it all the time.
If you can't use water, "Muc-off WATERLESS WASH 750ml ¥2,860" is a good option.
Muc-off BIKE PROTECT SPRAY 500ml ¥2,640
After cleaning off dirt, the next step is to protect it from getting dirty again.
By spraying this over the entire bicycle after washing, it quickly displaces water and provides a triple coating of rust prevention, water repellency, and stain prevention.
This excellent product keeps your beloved bicycle in pristine condition and makes subsequent cleaning much easier, so we highly recommend you try it.
Muc-off ALLWEATHER LUBE 50ml ¥1,760
This lube is an all-in-one pack for all weather conditions.
Its characteristic is that it caters to all riding styles, from road bikes mainly on paved roads, to cyclocross and MTBs that get muddy off-road, and even daily tough commutes.
Chain lubes come in various types depending on your riding style, but if you're not sure which one to choose, try this one first.
Well, this time we've picked out some items we think you should get when you buy a bicycle.
There are more detailed items available, but I think it's good to start with these.