[Closed] New bike day! Tips and fashion advice requested from the other side

Good brake blocks do make a difference, though as ever, mid ground might be the way to go. Shimano Ultegra level stuff made a big difference to the cheap pads on my wife's bike.

Clipless is normal on road bikes as you rarely unclip once you're moving and for prolonged periods of pedalling they just work better. In your shoes, I'd just get some flats unless you're going to be going long distances.

Re. kit, Lycra just works better, it doesn't flap and is more comfortable. If you can't face it then look at gravel marketed stuff, it tends to be a bit more fitted than MTB stuff.

Pedals - you'll probably find you'll be better with standard MTB style SPD's so you can wear shoes that it's actually possible to walk in. You can get roady looking pedals with these styles of clips. Some people don't find normal SPD's comfortable for all day rides, but for your use they'll be bob on.

Clothes - I just tend to wear my MTB kit, but none of that very baggy style, more XC type shorts and tops.

Flats, MTB clothing, MTB helmet, MTB attitude to traffic, lights, signs, pedestrians.

No need to go any fancier than Shimano R55C3 (Ultegra level) brake blocks for aluminium rims. They are brilliant.

is there much difference between something like the multi-coloured Clarks ones from Halfords and fancy expensive stuff like SwissStop?

Swisstop every time, they're night and day compared to even shimano, let alone whatever Halfords can sell you.

As it will also be used for commuting and general running to the shops I’ll probably put flats on, at least at first. Is there a good reason why clipless is nearly universal with road bikes but much more varied with mtb?

You lose something ridiculous like 15% of your power through squishy soled shoes on flat pedals. I'd get some MTB SPD's and some XC shoes. It's probably 95% as good as propper disco slippers and road pedals, and they're fine for walking in.

Something like DHB Droika/Troika, lace-up shoes are more comfortable and aero (marginal), but at the expense of being harder to adjust on the fly (your feet swell as you warm up, less noticeable in a pair of padded 5.10's than more racey slippers). BOA style closures are the best of both worlds but cost a bit more.

Do make sure they fit perfectly, not everyone has the same shape feet, and all brands fit differently. You might even have to trim out bits of insole to make more space (I've got big toes apparently).

And lastly (for now) I am lycraphobic and don’t fancy displaying my various bulgy bits around town. What can I wear that won’t have me looking like an idiot? Or is full Rapha compulsory now? 😉

It simply just works better.

You ride faster because it's not flapping like a parachute.

Your ass doesn't get covered in sweat/friction sores.

It's comfortable because there are no seams.

Do you go around staring at people's crotches (or other gender-specific bumpy bits)? Other people aren't interested in yours either.

Having said that, a close-fitting set of cycling baggies over the top preserves your dignity as the lycra thins over time! Needs to be better fitting than a set of Troy Lee's though otherwise, you'll look a bit more daft than usual. The Decathlon Rockrider 500 ones are pretty good, just save the liner for MTB'ing and wear some bibs under them. they also keep the wind off your legs in the mornign on those annoying in-betweeny commuting days.

That's also the 3rd advantage, bibs keep your arse from hanging out the back of baggies. No one wants to follow that, and they keep your kidneys warm.

Pads - the cheapo ones tent to be less good, but no need to go crazy on expensive ones. Worth making sure you don't get carbon-rim pads (or ones formulated for wierd rim coatings like exalith) as they won't be very good.

Pedals - it's honestly mostly fashion. Clipless feel better if you're trying to go fast. You'll notice a difference if you start doing group rides or strava segments, but flats are absolutely fine.

Clothes - wear whatever you're comfortable in.

Thanks all 🙂