Outfitting myself for my new road bike - help with my list, please!

[Owlie]

This is fantastic, thank you! I'm making a list to take with me to the bike shop, so I remember what to keep in mind while I'm trying things on.

I'm tall and most likely looking at a 54 or 57 cm bike, so 2 bottle holders shouldn't be an issue. I did the same thing as Marni last year with one frozen and one just with ice cubes - worked out great. But, I had a basket that I could toss all this stuff into, so now I have to plan on how I'm going to attach all this stuff.

Thanks so much for all of your feedback and personal preferences, it really helps a lot to start to narrow down what will and won't work for me.

My main question on helmets (which has been addressed) was where to start? Why are some $60 and some $250? I'm not going to notice ventilation in the store (or shopping online), but knowing to keep an eye on that, or to ask questions about that, helps me choose. We have hot summers here (lots of days about or over 100°), and while I haven't found myself riding when it gets over 90°, I very much care about ventilation!

Weight is a big one. As they get lighter (and larger vents), there's less polystyrene there, so in order for the helmet to keep its strength, they have to come up with more reinforcing materials, which adds to the cost. I'd go with one in the $80-$100 or so range, if budget allows. I have long thick hair and I need the ventilation. Try on several. Each company has its own mold and even between different helmet models within the same brand, there are differences. If you have an oblong head, stay away from Giro, possibly Bell too.

I haven't read the thread fully yet, so if my recommendations overlap, you'll know it's important.
-Underseat bag large enough to fit at the very least (my personal favorite are the Topeak bags that unzip to expand--I carry everything but the kitchen sink when I ride)
-2 tubes
-patch kit (for road tubes, get the kind that comes with a tube of glue)
-multi-tool of some kind that has a 3, 4, 5, 6 mm allen wrenches and a screwdriver (and learn how to use them!)
-tire levers
-CO2 inflator kit, preferably with 2 cartridges
-frame pump or a mini pump (yes, I carry both.)
-good bike shorts
-water bottle cage (x2)
-Jersey or wicking shirt
-sunglasses if you don't already have them
-insulated water bottles

Oh, and include enough money in your budget to get a new saddle. I always tell people to give the stock saddle a shot--go for some short rides a couple times a week, because it's probably firmer than what you're used to. Saddle-related pain: If it's just soreness (bruise-like) on your sit bones, keep at it for a bit and see if it improves. If it's soft tissue, get thee a new saddle.