If you had $250 to spend...

[tongue_tied]

... on accessories, clothing, and such, what would you get? What are necessities to keep in stock for your bike?

[indysteel]

My must have list for my bike sadly exceeds $250, but it'll give you a place to start.

Floor pump; tire levers, patch kits, CO2 inflater and cartridges and/or frame pump, extra tube(s), saddle bag, water bottle(s). Multi tool or hex wrench set and lube. Decent pair of shorts, helmet, gloves, sunglasses, jersey (short or long sleeve depending on the weather). Sunscreen.

Other things that are definitely helpful: Bike jersey, cool and cold weather gear (arm warmers, long sleeve jersey, windproof/water proof jacket, tights and knickers, full-finger gloves, wool socks, headband), chamois cream, a bike repair manual, bike computer, cycling shoes, and rear tail light (I'd almost put this on the must have list), and lightweight jacket.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I'm embarrassed by how much bike gear I have, but truth be told, I use all of it pretty regularly.

[Photoflygirl]

I'd like a rack and a trunk bag, maybe some fenders, if I could find some cool ones. I haven't rode a night yet, but if I did, I would need some blinkies and other stuff to make me higher vis. I don't have any jerseys yet, so that would be nice to buy a Team Estrogen jersey.

[Ana]

Lots of things!

Bib shorts!
Bib tights!
Some trendy sunglasses!
A couple sweet jerseys!
A stainless steel water bottle!
A new chain!
A multi-tool!
A work stand

Okay, I think I'm exceeding $250 now....

Happy spending!

[tongue_tied]

I have all of the basics - bibs, shorts, a few jerseys - but that's on my list, computer, shoes, pedals, water bottles, seat bag...

Things that I considered:

Tires
Tubes
Handlebar tape
Cleaning gear
Chain cleaner
2 Jerseys
Socks

Should I invest in tools? Repair stand? I have a manual...

[Biciclista]

we've had this discussion before
must have (in this order)
helmet
gloves
topeak road morph pump
spare tubes
patch kit and tire levers
multi tool
raincoat
bike shorts
bike shoes
jersey

[roadie gal]

I just spent close to that on a pair of bike shorts and 2 tri shorts.

Otherwise, I agree with the others on the basics.

[TrekTheKaty]

If you have all the basics, then a really good pair of shorts and a nice jersey. They are my uniform for long rides, and make more mileage possible. You might as well look good when you're all sweaty and spent.

Or a camelbak or polar bottles
Garmin 305 or something with HR, cadence, mileage and speed
Do you have a rack for your car?

The only tools I have are the basics for my saddle bag--she visits the boys at the shop once a year for everything else.

[PamNY]

What I don't have and need:

CO2 cartridges
Work stand
Private lessons with a bike mechanic
Cool wings
SLR camera & bag

[MartianDestiny]

What's on my list right now:

Computer (trying to save for a Garmin)
Custom wheelset fund
Shorts
Jerseys
Stuffable rain/wind jacket

[Loraura]

What I needed 2 years ago, and what I would want now are totally different.

Right now I'd get a Brooks Finesse Titanium saddle. (And go a little over budget, as per usual.)

[wackyjacky1]

Bib shorts, and rain gear (jacket and pants).

[arielmoon]

On my wish list:

Crank set
Wheel set fund
Handlebars

[lunacycles]

B.O.B. trailer

[TrekTheKaty]

OH, yeah. Ditto the rain jacket (mine's a cheapy from Performance, so that won't set you back) and a small digital camera (I have a canon sureshot). Just sent my favorite 10 pics out to be enlarged so I can start a "bike" wall