Looking for some iput...

Are you comfortable in your existing shoes/pedals over long distance? If so, no need to buy new. You'might' benefit from a more dedicated road pedal and shoe combination.

A carbon seatpost will likey kill a bit of road vibration and soak up a bit of the bumps The effect also depends on the length of seat post you have exposed. Do you feel a need to do so? You will probably drop a few grams of weight in using a good carbon seatpost, but personally I have found the change in ride quality to be small and would purchase that item after you have some of the others covered.

Garmin? It's on my Christmas list. It gains you altitude tracking and heart rate over your current Trek computer.

Cycling shorts are a necessity IMO. As are winter-specific cycling gear in Wisconsin if you intend to train into the cold weather.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by CAMPYBOB [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Are you comfortable in your existing shoes/pedals over long distance? If so, no need to buy new. You'might' benefit from a more dedicated road pedal and shoe combination.

A carbon seatpost will likey kill a bit of road vibration and soak up a bit of the bumps The effect also depends on the length of seat post you have exposed. Do you feel a need to do so? You will probably drop a few grams of weight in using a good carbon seatpost, but personally I have found the change in ride quality to be small and would purchase that item after you have some of the others covered.

Garmin? It's on my Christmas list. It gains you altitude tracking and heart rate over your current Trek computer.

Cycling shorts are a necessity IMO. As are winter-specific cycling gear in Wisconsin if you intend to train into the cold weather.

My shoes/pedals don't really present any issues with my riding. I had heard at one point that they could hinder performance due to the small contact area of pedal to shoe, if it's not that big of deal then shoes/pedals will be out.

As for the Gramin I really like the altitude tracking, but is it worth the money for a new rider like myself.

I know I need gear, plans are to ride into late Oct maybe into Nov so I know I need to spend a small fortune on apparel. Any recomendations for cold weather gear? Whats really needed? Everything?

Thank you for your time and help!

I had heard at one point that they could hinder performance due to the small contact area of pedal to shoe, if it's not that big of deal then shoes/pedals will be out.

A larger pedal contact surface usually equates to more comfort. This is also determined by your shoe. Your pedalling efficiency would not change much.

As for the Gramin I really like the altitude tracking, but is it worth the money for a new rider like myself.

Only you can ultimately decide that. Over short, repetitive winter courses? Probably not so much. For longer training rides, new courses and training motivation or distraction...yeah. I think most riders would enjoy the data. FWIW, the Edge 800 with mapping sure isn't inexpensive, but the mapping option is a nice luxury feature. Don't overlook cell phone apps and web-based software as options for the interim.

Any recomendations for cold weather gear? Whats really needed? Everything?

Heh! Yeah...everything!

A lot depends on how your body tolerates the cold, the wind and how long you plan being on the road (duration of rides).

Down to maybe 40° the only additions to summer wear I use are tights, additional upper layers of long sleeve jerseys/base layers and full finger gloves. Gloves and long sleeve base poly T-shirts can be had for cheap at Walmart. Hanes, Under Armor, Starter...base layer shirts start under $10.

As the temperature drops towards the mid 20°'s and the wind picks up, a skull cap or do-rag under the helmet, glove liners or heavier gloves/mits, a wind jacket (does not need to cycling-specific) and the thermal tights come out. I wear shoe covers, but my feet get cold regardless. A balaclava works well for me. I wear one thin one, two thin ones or one heavier depending on the temperature.

Some of my friends do 2 to 4 hour rides with air temperatures in the 30's. I limit my time in the saddle to about 2 hours maximum. More often, just an hour to 1-1/2 hours is plenty for me.

Select a jacket that can be vented and mainly offers some wind blocking. I wear multiple layers that can be peeled and stashed if in the unlikely event I get too warm in December in Ohio, adjustments can be made.