I bought my bike for £18 ($36). Tyre repair kit which included tyre levers - 98p (under $1). My helmet cost more than the bike £26.99 ($52). Cycling shorts were £14.99 ($30) and cycling shirt £11.99 ($24) - both items were sale prices. I'd a couple of pairs of tracksuit bottoms - what you call tights lurking in my wardrobe. They cost me £2.99 ($6) just over a year ago when the local sports shop had a sale on. They're not cycling tights but are fine for my 2 1/2 mile commute to and from work. You don't really need any special clothing if you're only going short distances. Normal T-shirts are fine