So much gear I need to get so I need opinions please!

For pedals. I wouldn't bother with dual purpose ones. Just get the 540 SPDs.

Shoes, probably better to try at a local store as everyone is different.

Some elbow/forearm and knee/shin pads will be handy for more technical rides. I have the 661 Race arms and legs. Works for me.

Tools. Definitely get some spares to carry on your ride. Get a tool with a chain break on it. I have the below Topeak one. So far no worries.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
I assume you have a hand pump and spare tubes?
Also a chain link is a good idea to have in case you snap a chain.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...

Also a Camelbak with more storage like the Mule maybe a better idea especially for longer rides. I carry a first aid kit for example which has come in handy a few times to patch others up!
http://nobmob.com/image/tid/1982

Geez, the boss has certainly warmed to the bike thing hasn't she.
I've given my opinions and importance below

GPS System. Garmin Vista HCX ($400 approx)or Garmin 60CSX ($460 approx). I need a mapping GPS so an Edge won't do it for me. $400-$500
Only if you can really afford it, it's a nice luxury

Lighting System. Very unsure what to get in my price range. So many options! $100-$200
Best to save $450 and buy some ay-ups. Seems expensive, but if you want to ride comfortably off road at night, this is the go. Ask anyone here - best bang for your buck.

Riding Jersey. Nobmob Jersey. $106
Whatever you can afford. Keep you eye on Torpedo 7 as well.

Riding Sunglasses - Brown lenses. $0-$80
Pretty much essential. I've got a $10 pair that are better than nothing. But if you go for an $80 pair, go for the interchangable lenses so you can use them in dark (daytime) conditions as well (clear lenses)

Riding Shoes. No idea what to get. Should I ensure I buy from a local retailer to ensure correct fit? $100-$150
First time go to a local shop for fitting. And maybe up that to $200 (at a local shop) and get a good pair that compromises between stiff for efficency and flex for walking the difficult bits

Clipless Pedals. Possibly Shimano M324's ($72) for multi purpose, or the M540's ($80) if I decide on dedicated. $50-$100
Don't know either of these, but I hate multi purpose with the clips one side and teeth the other. It's a personal thing though. I think you clip in when you clip in, and ride flats when you don't and buy a pedal spanner.

Body Armor. VERY unsure what to get or even if I should need this, as I am not a DH rider, only XC. $100-150
I would wait for the armour until you see whether you need it or are sure of what you will wear, rather than leave in the car because it's too uncomfortable. I really only wear mine at Red Hill type places.

Mirror. Zefal Cyclop Mirror ($28) $10-$40
You don't need a mirror off road. Just something to snag trees or break or impale you in a stack. You don't need to know what's behind you. It's in front of you that counts.

Backpack/Storage. Camelback Rogue ($120) or Fox LowPro Hydration pack ($80) $0-$120
Essential. I have a Camelbak MULE that seems very popular. Not too cumbersome and hold about 2.5 litres of water (they say 3) and some spares and a bit of food.

Tool kit. Already have most normal tools so I think I just need some type of multi tool for bike specific applications. $20-$100
You will need a multi tool for the trail. I lent mine to some a-wipe at the Fling and never got it back. Now I have to carry them all individually and pray I don't break my chain.

Happy shopping.

Why would you need a new pump Christine? Whenever you have a mechanical don't you just stand beside your bike looking puzzled until the next mobile mechanic comes along?

Wow thanks everyone for the advice so far!

LOL @ Andy! No the boss hasn't warmed to this at all! I'm just treading VERY carefully right now.

And Christine, I DID start biking before Christmas, but then my bike got stolen. You may have noticed the thread awhile back. So my MTB development was delayed somewhat.

Anyway, the GPS system to me isn't really a luxury. I plan to use it in the car as well so am aiming for one that will be able to do both jobs. Also I want to be able to just vanish into the bush and still find my way back later. Hence why I'm looking at the Vista or the 60Csx. So no, sorry Rob, no Edge GPS for me!

However based on the advice both here and on Farkin', I've decided to get much of this stuff in stages, especially after I've heard about some of the problems the Farkin' regulars have reported with CRC orders. I'd rather be safe than sorry. So I'm going to get as much stuff as I can from my local shop, Erina Bikeworx (free plug, they can't complain about that ). Here's my tentative plan... all these purchases will PROBABLY come from Bikeworx and hence I'm listing prices from their website. (They often give me a 10% discount cause I'm a previous customer too) :

First purchase:

1. Fox Dirtpaw Gloves $30
2. Fox System Knee/Shin Guards $60 (May get different depending on what I can find locally)
3. Fox 911 Elbow Guards $70 (Another maybe... have to look around - I'd like the elbow/knee pads to match. So call me vain. )
4. Topeak Hexus 16 Multitool $40
5. Serfas Arena Black 1170 Sunglasses (4 lenses) $80
6. Camelback MULE $170 (I THINK I'll get this.... but it's so bloody expensive for a backpack!)

Second Purchase:

1. Shimano M540 Pedals $80
2. Shimano M075 Shoes $130 (Maybe, I have to try them first)

To buy later:

1. Garmin Vista HCX GPS $409
2. Ay-Up MTB Light kit $440 (My wife will have a fit when she sees that price! Best not tell her. )

And yes, I scrapped the idea of getting a mirror. Now it's time to start hunting around and see what I can do in the way of finding better prices perhaps.

Any opinions on all that?

Col

too.... size 8 / 42.
Bernd

* Shoes; try get some quality ones, MO75 are a bit too basic - checkout the recent discussion "New shoes - info wanted" but yes try them in a store before ordering on the internet if that's your plan.
* Pedals; don't get the M510, anything above is better - or some Time attac
* BBB sunnies are also very good with interchangeable lenses.
* Arm guards; well since I'm currently recovering from a fractured radius I would recommend them on any technical parts of trails you've never been to before. Don't wait till you break your bones!
* I got my MULE on ebay australia, a bit cheaper

Tom

http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/CMHYPN8LB/ti...

Please DO NOT pay $170 for a MULE backpack or I'll tell your wife. That's just wasting money.
I bought mine for half that from ebay and picked it up in Manly. Any of the regulars selling these packs from ebay are reputable. It is exactly the same product. The price at shops is outrageous

I've read the farkin threads (I'm deBloot) and they usually have problems with CRC because they either order gear that is out of stock or send emails asking silly technical questions and winge because they don't receive a response.
Plenty of people here have ordered (3 times for me) and apart from 1 SLIGHT problem due to my own impatience, never had a problem.
Allow 3 days + for an answer to an email expressing a legitimate concern with an order you have placed.
The most important thing with CRC is knowing exactly what you want, making sure it is in stock and allowing a couple of weeks for it to arrive (especially if it is your first order)
These guys are insanely busy for a reason. And they don't follow up on people who haven't placed their order properly.

But do whatever you feel most comfortable with

PMSL! Thanks Andy. That's good to know about the backpack! Also I appreciate the viewpoint on CRC. I just wasnt sure, so it's good to know it's only peoples stupidity or whatever that is causing issues. Of course, like you said, the important thing is knowing what you want.... and as this thread amply shows, I'm just not there yet!!!!! Once I narrow things down I may just go to them. I have to spend some time working out what will be best value for money once I factor in shipping costs (if required) and so forth. I've got a bit of mathematics practice coming up I think.

And Paul, thanks for the Bunnings tip. Will be good for a pair of night/rain glasses. But I do think I need a pair with brown lenses at least, cause I noticed how crap my current ones are in the mixed light/shadow of riding under dense foliage.

Colt.

I agree Scott. They've got to know me at Erina Bikeworx already and I have been getting 10% discount on anything I've bought lately cause I brought two bikes from them now. (Yes, I bought my son a mountain bike to repalce the one he had stolen... it's just a Giant MX250, but still damn good for him to start on.) So I try to go them them when I can, but loyalty isn't enough to justify me blowing more cash than I need to, of course.

Thanks for the suggestions for shops too. I got the links to them off Farkin already so am checking them out. Anyone have opinions on Bicyclestore.com.au or Krankbikes.com.au?

Colt.

Using my Edge 705 in the car OK - with a $ 10 DC power adapter and a $ 5 dashboard holder from feebay. Works great with City Navigator 2008 map and Shonkymap topographic overlay.

And it beeps gently before any turns / directions (doesn't talk)

Cheers, Hans
__________________
May all your lines be the right ones...

Lighting System - has to be Ayups, costs around $450.00.

Body Armor - get it, it is one of the most important pieces of equipment. You use the armour more on XC riding than DH, IMO. Fox Launch pads are great. Or the TLD Lopes are great too (I purchased mine from the cool dudes at Belrose Bikes).

Backpack/Storage - always get a Camelback. Look at Anaconda, they will have heaps. Rebel even sells them. Local Bike Shops will be pricey.

Tool kit - get a multi-tool. And a few zip ties of varying sizes. The multi-tool should have at least a set of allen keys on it. And a small knife too. You can cut up tubes if you get a tyre blow-out. Zip ties are handy for bike failures. Trust me!! It happens. Also, maybe buy a spare rear derailleur hanger.

... and look at all the other lame ducks that go to hospital with deep gashes and scrapes on themselves because they aren't protected. Stitches might look nice a few days after they have healed, but the sight of blood flowing after a bad stack is always something to avoid. Once you have done that a few times, you realise it is just easier to wear it rather than miss your next ride because you are too sore/injured. (Buck's knee comes to mind. ) Better to wear them and not need them, I say.

Body armor when riding XC unless you have two left legs, it's just to hot & restrictive

You've only just started riding - stick to the basics.

1. At your level and with the questions you've been asking I wouldn't go disappearing into the bush on your own! Go with a group, club, get directions from a bike shop or go out on your own on established trails close to civilisation. I've been going 'bush' in various countries for 20 years and never needed a GPS (although I do go out with a map ($15) & compass ($40) and I know how to use them). A GPS in itself is a waste of 450 good dollars you can spend on other things (eg if you really are going out on your own - 1st aid kit, EPIRB, very large tool kit, lots of food etc etc)

2. Spend $ saved from above on a good set of lights and again, don't go out on your own.

3. I presume you've got decent nix - way more important than a jersey.

4. Plastic, light & comfortable.

5. Just go into a bike shop and try on all the shoes in your size & price range that have a stiff sole, are light and that breathe - this is Australia. No point discussing sizes as a) you'll be different to everyone else, b) brands/models are all different.

6. I've give up trying to convert people to Time ATAC's because everyone seems to go for Shimano - they're the people I hear whingeing on the wet muddy trail when they can't clip back in because their pedals/cleats are clogged up. Just get something Shimano and be another whinger!

7. Here's another $100-150 saving for you. You haven't mentioned gloves yet.

8. ....moving swiftly on

9. What riding are you going to do? 3 laps round Ourimbah?-1.5 litres & space for your spare tube, tyre levers, multitool, pump & GU. Full day out?-3 litres plus all the cargo space you can get. All of the above?-the largest bladder you can afford & lots of cargo space with compression straps. Then go onto ebay or into Amazon Outdoors or some such & get something at non-bike shop prices.

10. Normal tools? Same question as for #9 - on a short ride a tube, tyre levers, pump (or CO2 cartridge) & multitool, on a day ride, 2 tubes, patch kit, shock pump, tyre pump, multitool, chain link, spare spokes, gaffer tape, cable ties etc etc. Get Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance for the info, then go onto CRC (I've never had a problem with them) before the $ shites itself.

Just get the basics mate & get out there riding - save up for the luxuries so you don't have to have the conversation with the leader of the opposition!

I've only been riding a few years but I've learned a bit:

Carry a compression bandage for snake bite and take a mobile phone that is charged. I find a bike GPS is more for looking at cool stats (which I enjoy) after the ride rather than navigation. I do use my bike GPS to monitor my heart rate. It is teaching me to regulate it better through breathing and pace etc. I think a a contour map in your pocket can be better for actual Navigation. If you get lost easily in the bush then I think you shouldn't go alone, i.e. if you need the GPS to get yourself hack home, stay home.

For glasses, clear lenses only, I find shaded glasses stuff up your depth perception. The clear ones keep the sticks and those little bugs out of your eyes. When your riding, your not looking up into the sky.

Learning tricky stuff with nasty flat pedals i recommend shin guards (these will protect you from snake too). Learning clipless pedals i recommend elbow pads. It's only hot a few months of the year.

Spray shoes with insect repellent to repel leaches.

If you see a rider on a horse, get off your bike and wait for them to call you through. Give way to everybody, especially somebody riding up hill if your going downhill.

Don't underestimate the difference your tire selection can make. I have a range of tires and am still stuffing about trying to work out what I like best.

If your going OTB and you have flat pedals, try and jump the handlebars and land on your feet. It's not so hard if you actually try. Don't stick your arms out locked and send the impact from you hands straight to your shoulders. Crash loose. If you have those elbow pads on when your clipped in you will feel much better when you stall on a hill.

Bike shorts are good. Get some good loose shorts with a high crutch (Fox or something) so they don't catch on the seat when you want to get your arse behind the seat. Nicks should be restricted to roadies and races I recon. Less male bulges on the trails the better I recon! I sometimes think that the nicks wearers are more likely to wear spedos instead of board shorts. The population just don't need to see junk wrapped in Lycra on a regular basis.

Be nice to the bush walkers, especially the old ones, a smile and a hello just about always gets a nice response.

When night riding, don't go first. Let Greg go first.

Go on the newbie rides. I have a novice ride this Friday at Lane Cove. Come along.

A question if I may.... how does everyone figure out whether something you plan to buy from CRC is the right size? They have no size charts on there at all, so how can you tell if your a medium, large or whatever? That goes for gloves, shorts, and even elbow and shin guards. I'd easily be able to hit the $550 mark required for the free shipping if I can buy the above stuff from them, but I don't want to get the wrong size gear and have to send it back to the UK again. Any suggestions please?

Cheers,
Col.