Hello!

I've recently become very interested in cycling and I'm about to buy my first road bike. As I do with most things, I tend to obsess a bit at first and now I'm almost in the "information overload" zone! Please help me take a step back and just get started.

I'm not trying to race, not yet at least, and I really just want to have a decent bike and proper equipment that will allow me to successfully participate in some group rides, increase my fitness level, and have some fun. I'm starting to think I need every piece of equipment in the world before I've even bought a bike. I don't want to spend thousands up front in case I can never overcome my fear of traffic, or I just don't enjoy it like I think I do. I'm hoping for no more than $1000 initial investment. So, here's what I'm sure I need:

1. Bike - I've ridden a few at different shops and I really like the Scattante W350 best so far. I know it's Performance's house brand, but it seems like it's solidly constructed and it feels comfortable. It's hard to find reviews online about the brand, but I'm thinking it might be the one for me. Plus, it's on sale for only $499 (reg $999), so the price tag is more than right! Does anyone know anything about these?

2. Helmet

3. Gloves

4. Water bottle cage

5. Basic maintenance kit and spare tube

6. Shorts and jersey or cycling shirt (I'm leaning toward jersey)

7. Bike computer (although I'm leaning toward the CycleMeter iPhone app for this)

Is there anything else you'd say is a must have to get started? The more I read the more I feel like I'm going to be grossly unprepared. I'm scared to death of clipping in so I don't know if I want to invest in clip-less pedals and shoes, although my sister (who I'm following into this) says to just do it, that you get used to it very quickly and it helps you go further. I just don't know.

Do I have to have a bag to attach to the frame for food and whatnot? What am I missing?

Thanks!