New rider here...I need advice.

[Owlie]

I'm looking at buying a bike and accoutrements (yes! I get a chance to use that word!) after having not ridden a bike for ten years. I'm looking at the Giant FCR3.
Apart from a helmet, gloves and a pair of shorts, what do I need? What might be useful? After looking at bikes the other day, apparently I'm better built for men's frames. Any changes I should consider? (My boyfriend's a cyclist, but since all his cycling buddies are male, he's not always helpful.)
(Small words, please. I know next to nothing about bikes!)

[Grog]

You're good to go!

Oh, a water bottle. Or two. And a repair kit (and the skills to use it, so that you won't be despondent if you have a flat tire on your own).

The rest is gravy. Like bike shoes and automatic pedals (or just toe cages of some sort if you prefer). And bike jerseys with pockets (to carry food and other stuff).

Welcome to TE! We look forward to reading about your cycling adventures!

[Biciclista]

A really good thing to have is a portable pump. Most everyone here's favorite pump is the Topeak road morph.
it's lightweight and even I can use it to pump up my tires.

[ZenSojourner]

A really good thing to have is a portable pump. Most everyone here's favorite pump is the Topeak road morph.
it's lightweight and even I can use it to pump up my tires.

Definitely, I've had several other pumps, none of which ever lasted very long and at least one of which disintegrated in my hands the very first time I used it.

I've also had at least a couple that I wasn't strong enough to actually use. Magilla Gorilla could pump his tire up with one of those, but I didn't have a chance.

Some frame pumps lack a pressure gauge, or the one they have breaks or is inaccurate. Hence the separate pressure gauge I carry in my seat bag.

I've had the Topeak for a long time now, and I can actually pump my tires up, it doesn't mangle the stem, it's giving no sign of breaking, and the pressure gauge is still accurate. In fact a lot of times I'll just pump my tires up with the Morph pre-ride instead of going and finding the floor pump.

[Zen]

what do I need? What might be useful?

You don't need special shoes.
You don't need a special shirt.
Not right now, anyway.
Mimi's road pump is a good idea and perhaps a small pack for under the saddle (or a handlebar bag) to carry tools, cell phone,camera, snacks, and lipstick

[indysteel]

I'd add sunglasses to the list.

Changes you might consider: a saddle. Stock saddles are often not very comfortable. Narrower handlebars. If you're getting a men's bike, you might find that the bars are too wide. You might also find that they need to adjust the brake levers to accomodate you if you have smaller hands.

Good luck and have fun with your new bike!

[Geonz]

and sunscreen

Really, you don't need much. Riding a bike is fun by its little ol' self.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You don't need special shoes.
You don't need a special shirt.
Not right now, anyway.
Mimi's road pump is a good idea and perhaps a small pack for under the saddle (or a handlebar bag) to carry tools, cell phone,camera, snacks, and lipstick

I agree.

I'd add sunglasses to the list.

Yes as well to eye protection and sunscreen!
Pebbles fly off of trucks right into your face sometimes, or bugs hit your eyes at a high speed too- use eye protection.

[Owlie]

Pebbles fly off of trucks right into your face sometimes, or bugs hit your eyes at a high speed too- use eye protection.

Can anyone recommend something that works well with glasses? (Not going to switch to contacts--I'd poke my eye out.)

[Softie]

I might have missed it being listed, but patch kit too? Also reflective tape and lights if you'll be riding at dusk or night at all.

I also just picked up a new bike and found a mens model fit me best with no accommodations needed. My hands and body proportions worked fine as the bike was, though I picked up a bit wider saddle to suit my wider spaced sit bones.

Happy biking!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can anyone recommend something that works well with glasses? (Not going to switch to contacts--I'd poke my eye out.)

Here's what I use- they are great:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showp...1&postcount=13