Setting a budget

[Tri Girl]

First- welcome to TE. This place was a great source of information and support when I came here 6 years ago.

Great suggestions have already been given. KiwiStoker hit it on the head what to splurge for and what to skimp on.

I will say, tho, that you don't have to wear a cycling jersey. I ride in regular moisture wicking shirts. I use the same shirts for running as I do riding since I didn't want to have two sets of workout clothes (that's just silly and a waste). I buy nice shirts that will last a long time. To carry food on the bike, I have a bento box on my top tube for food on long rides and I usually wear my Camelbak in summer (since my bike is small and I only have one bottle cage on the frame) so I can put extra food in my Camelbak. You can skimp there for sure.

Do NOT skimp on the shorts. You'll have to try on a dozen before you find on that fits your body. It should fit snug in the crotch (if it is loose you will have more trouble with saddle sores and such).

Good luck finding a bike. SO exciting to go shopping for that first one (and every one thereafter). Woot!