Newbie Needs Help

[MDrider]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I never thought about the gloves protecting my hands in case of a wipe out. And I think I'll start checking out those shorts too. Shopping here I come!

[Jiffer]

I say, if you are pretty sure this is going to stick, might as well get the stuff, or at least some of it. (Sounds like you're itching to anyways!) As for gloves, I know everyone is recommending them, but Dh and I don't wear gloves, except when it's cold out to keep our hands warm. Dh started riding long before I did. He tried several different types of gloves to help with some discomfort issues before he realized he preferred not to wear any at all. I went through the same thing and decided I had no reason to really wear them. Just one more thing to deal with. We both have comfy handlebars, so we don't seem to have any problems with numbness or anything that gloves would help solve.

As for falling, if I chose to wear gloves specifically for protection from a fall, I'd be wearing knee pads and elbow pads as well. Which wouldn't be a bad idea!

I'm not saying not to buy gloves. Most people wear them. I just don't agree that they are necessary for everyone. Figure out what works for you. However, having said all of that ... I do agree that they might be good for your beginner riding classes since who knows what type of bike you'll be on, what the handlebars will be like and how it will fit you.

Good luck on your new adventures and welcome to the addicting world of cycling!

[KnottedYet]

I second the "gloves and shorts" shopping list.

Wear any ol' wicking shirt you like. I don't wear bike jerseys, even on my longer rides. I generally wear a long-sleeved wool t-shirt or turtleneck.

REI will most likely have flat pedals for you to use. So just wear some comfy tennies the first day.

And most important: HAVE FUN!!!!

(we want a full report!)

[Zen]

REI wants you to have this stuff because they want to sell it to you.

All you need for now is a helmet and gloves.

If you haven't been suffering from any chafing or other saddle/shorts issues wear what you're comfy in for the type of riding you do.

[wiseowl]

One major wipeout where you skitter down the road on your palms, and you won't ride around the corner without gloves again! At least I don't!
I can't imagine they would put you on clipless pedals for a class targeted at newbies, but call and ask. I would wait on those until you have been able to give some thought to the styles available. As an aside, I found my spd clipless double sided pedals to be very easy to adapt to- all the horror stories scared me.
So my list would be: helmet, gloves, and shorts if the rides are likely to be over 8-10 miles. Personally, I like to have cycling shorts on every time I ride, but I know some people can do 20+ comfortably first.
I have found that special bike gear really does make a difference- I love riding in jerseys because they are really cut to maximize comfort when cycling. But they cost a mint and I would wait to phase them in over time.