Got my first bike!!!

[Bad JuJu]

I agree with suzieqtwa, and just want to add that you definitely need a repair kit for the inevitable flat tires: a spare tube, a patch kit in case you use your spare tube and get another flat before you get home, some tire irons to help you remove the tire, and something to inflate the new tube with--either a small pump or a CO2 inflation system. Plus a little underseat bag to carry it all in. Practice changing a tire while you're at home, so you'll know what to do when it happens out on the road.

As your rides get longer, you will need those padded shorts and gloves. Don't skimp on the shorts.

[mimitabby]

My son has really tough hands too, from years of doing Karate, but when he fell off his bike, he still ended up in the emergency room for a ripped up hand. He wasn't even going fast. I do recommend gloves, they aren't that expensive!
He now has quite a scar there.

Please let us see a photo of you and your new bike as soon as possible

[Xrayted]

Congrats on the new bike!!

Yes, I totally agree with the ladies. Gloves, tool bag, tools, extra tube, pump and padded shorts. (there are some very important parts down there that you don't want to aggrivate dear) The computer and stuff like that can come later but it is nice to know how far, how fast you've gone. I had no idea I was riding that far when I finally got mine put on. It inspired me to keep going b/c I was seeing the progress. Good luck!!

~X.

[anakiwa]

Congratulations! (A Trek 5000 was my first 'adult' bike too.)

I agree with the other comments- the following are pretty important:

-Bike shorts (make sure they fit well or they may rub) - initially 1 or 2 pairs is enough (you can wear them under tights if you ride in colder weather).

-Gloves

-Some way of inflating a tire. I carry a small pump (it attaches to the water bottle cage). You'll want something that's always on the bike (otherwise the day you forget it will be the day you have a flat).

-Spare tube(s), patch kit (either 2 tubes or 1 tube and a patch kit will get you through most situations). Also tire irons.

-Hex keys (AKA allen wrenches)- these are needed for adjusting seat height, etc. (even if you have the seat adjusted properly, I've had very minor accidents (eg I fell off the bike) where the seat gets knocked out of alignment and I need to readjust it. There are some inexpensive tools (Park tools etc- they look like swiss army knives) that combine several hex keys of different sizes with screwdrivers (the screwdriver isn't absolutely essential, but is the sort of thing that can come in handy).

-Small saddlebag- while you can argue that this isn't essential, I think it's best to have all the aforementioned items always on the bike (otherwise you'll have forgotten them when you most need them). I also like to keep a $20 in the saddlebag so I'll always have cash handy.

A computer is a great thing, but not essential. If you're potentially riding after dark, at least get a flasher to hang on the saddlebag (this should cost less than $10).

Have fun!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your new bike!!!! You have to post a pic of it when you get it home.
I hope you have many years of fun rides together!!!!!

[Geonz]

IMO - gloves before the shorts. If you're not going far, it's okay.

My cycling buddies who are hardcore minimalists - ride in their jeans- have helmet, toe clips, gloves, water, and sunscreen, as well as spare tube and the odd tool or two. (I don't wear 'em on commutes of 15 miles and many of my layered rides.)

[pooks]

I rode 5.4 miles yesterday (first ride since Oct) in my padded cycling knickers and felt great. Today I decided to wear my jeans -- what difference could it make? Quit at 2 miles.

I think most people have tushies that need protecting, especially when they first start off. When you're riding many miles at a time, and your body is in tune to riding, you may find shorter trips aren't a big deal without padding. But for newbies, I think it's pretty important. At least, that's my experience!

[emily_in_nc]

Aside from what others have mentioned, this is essential to me for road riding:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4043

Enjoy your new bike!

Emily