Quote Originally Posted by PartimeBiker

Okay, here's what I think I need:

[INDENT]Helmet - I want to get one that matches my bike (cobalt blue) and that has a ponytail opening possibly (I've got some long thick hair that I need to put somewhere.) Suggestions? [INDENT]


Bags - I keep seeing little bags under people's seats, and I saw that Terry bikes sold one for $80 that had some sort of little tool kit in it. Is that what those are for? What's a pannier, anyway? Do I want one of those?

Bike pump - What kind do I need? Do I need one when I'm on the bike or should I use those CO2 bottles instead? If I mount one to the bike is that going to weigh down my bike too much?

Water bottle with cage - I know what these are, do they make any cute/pretty/easy to drink out of ones? Should I get a camelback instead?

Shoes - I've never been clipless before (guess I will be now!), but I never liked being clipped in to be honest, even though it's supposed to be a good thing, makes me all nervous that I won't be able to get my foot outta there. Do shoes need to match up with your pedals or are they independent of each other? What's a good shoe? What's a good pedal for that matter.

Bike shorts - I figure I need at least one pair of padded ones, any good ones out there?

Tires and tubes - How many do I buy, how much do they cost, how often do people get flats, anyway? I never had one on my MTB, is a road bike more prone to flats?
Make sure your helmet fits properly and then worry about its color.

For your underseat bag, decide what you want to carry for tools/repairs. Then buy the bag to fit. Do you want to be able to carry a light jacket in your bag? snacks?

For tools you'll want at least enough stuff to be able to repair a flat - tire irons, patch kit, spare tube, CO2 cartridges and dispenser or pump. Tubes are pretty cheap - $4 or so. How many flats you get depends on where you ride and tire pressure. Some places have lots of debris in the road. Even stuff you can't see can give you a flat. Low tire pressure can lead to pinch flats.

Camelback - there are roadies who wear them. Probably 30 -40% of the riders on the ride I volunteered at yesterday had them. I personally don't like to wear one on my road bike.

For water bottles I prefer the type with the screw on lid, rather than the pop top. It has a wider mouth so it's easier to clean, put ice into, and make energy drinks in. I use Polar brand. When filled half full and frozen, they keep your drink cold for hours.

For bike shoes and shorts, I suggest a TE search or just read the threads in apparel. They have been discussed a lot.

V.