Dropping the chain -- there's a gizmo for that now!

http://www.acecosportgroup.com/content/

I don't have one -- I'm not sure that my bike is built right, but one of these days, when it's in for some kind of service, I'm going to ask. I don't like when the chain goes...

Seattle hillies: a triple front chainring set will be nice to have. I use all three of my chainrings a lot, and it's not quite as hill in the area where I ride as Seattle. I figure maybe someday for this "compact" thing I read about here...

End of season clearances can be a great way to stretch your budget, and they're on -- if the bike fits, you may be able to get more bike for your buck by "sacrificing" color, or something relatively minor. While WSD is a good thing, a "men's" or "unisex" bike may help with this too -- don't dismiss them out of hand. Try some for feel!

The saddle -- give the one on the bike a shot, you MAY like it! I'm pretty sure that we all find that it takes a little while to be comfortable on even the best fitting saddle as we start riding, as all of it is new to our bodies and we have to get used to so much. MORE important to be sure to include in the initial investment budget is a HELMET -- which seems obvious, but I haven't seen it mentioned yet! These don't have to be expensive.



Other things to consider getting started:

Gloves that fit pretty snug (I have hand pain if they're "comfy" because the slip around) are important for our riding comfort and for just in case. I bought cheap bike shoes early on because of the nice stiff sole -- my feet hurt in "regular" shoes. At the time, I was NOT using the "fancy" pedals. The chamois in the shorts does make a difference in comfort, but I'm guessing that it will be a little while before you'll need the "good" ones, and those clearance racks will be a nice place to start that wardrobe. Like gloves, buy 'em snug, so they're not slipping around down there! (some of us are intimidated by "sausage leg" but at your height/weight, I can't see much possibility for that -- I've got a daughter about your size!)

Lights -- dark season is coming! Don't have to be real expensive, just bright. Something to carry a spare tube and tools in (I really am glad I changed to kevlar tires early on. changing tires isn't my idea of fun, and I got lots of practice the first few weeks!)

I'm finding myself going on and on, have a question I've come up with myself that I'll start a thread on, but oh CRAP! I have to get ready to go to work!!!!

Karen in Boise