1. What is the absolute cheapest oil I can use on my chain (that still works)? And where to get it? It seems bike shops always sell the marked up stuff, and I have been told not to ever use wd40 under any circumstances.
2. I have been looking for a winter jacket /face mask/ gloves/ base layer; that are lightweight and good for biking without having to pay an arm and a leg. Are there brands/ key words/ designs/ any other aspect, that I should be paying attention to while browsing? Examples are welcome.
3. I am looking for a helmet also, and wonder if there are known good brands. I have heard I should not buy secondhand, but are there any tips for doing so if I decide to anyway?
4. I am very interested in keeping my bike in as good condition as possible and repairing it myself. However, I am certain I will run into parts that need replaced. Suggestions for places/ things to look for by others that have gone this route?
Thanks for reading!
1. Don't fuss over this. Find a decent bike shop and ask them what to use, and then buy it. This stuff goes a long distance.
WD40 is not a lube, it's a water and oil displacing material you use to clean parts if necessary.
2. The answer to this is totally locality related. Find some die hard cyclists in your area and ask them what they use. Generally, the fundamental principle is LAYER, LAYER, LAYER. You will be amazed at how little you need to keep your core warm when cycling in even the coldest weather, and probably also at how tricky (and important) it is to keep your hands and feet warm in cold weather cycling. I live in cold snowy Pennsylvania, and for many years when I had a ten mile each way bike commute, I did layered wool socks and fully enclosed dansko clog boots that lasted for YEARS (and came to look quite bad ass, if I do say so myself.) Get over the notion that you need to lay out big bucks for cycling specific clothes. You don't. You can easily layer up in thrift store wool sweaters and socks. Again, ask those around you who are already doing it.
3. Used helmet? No fucking way. Shell out for a decent certified one, make sure you fit it properly, and keep it adjusted for maximum protection. In winter, when you'll probably be wearing a warm under-hat or balaclava, you may need a slightly larger size, or adjust the back knob (if you have an adjustable helmet) to be a little bigger for your comfort.
4. Best advice I can give on bike repair is, read up ahead of time and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Cycle mechanics are so damn obvious once you start to look at them, not to mention elegant in many cases as well. Bike parts are mostly very cheap (IMHO) wherever you buy them, though as always you are probably best off finding the most reputable bike shop in your area and going there for parts. You would also do well to get a bike repair book of the same approximate vintage as your bicycle. (Yes, the mechanics change over time.) The real cost of maintenance is the time it takes. But arrange yourself a good work space, put on some decent tunes, and go at it. I also second the notion of finding a bike co-op in your area if possible. If that's not possible, look around for some cycling mentors and ask them to help you through. They'll likely do it.
And last but not least, HAVE FUN! Though cycling has its mustachian value and function, a great part of its attraction is that it's also plain old enjoyable.
