Dude, be sure not to listen to the "elitist-snob" crowd out there who believe that you can only get a good beginning road bike at around $700 dollars and then have to spend anywhere from $300 to $400 for accessories. There are good road bikes (drop handle-bars, 18+ spd) bikes, that I've road and still ride that cost anywhere from $169 to $429. And some of them have the full deal such as carbon fiber forks, nice integrated 'Shimano' shifters on the brakes, to comfortable seats.
Listen up here ya'll... go to
A Bike Store : Quality Mountain Bikes Cruisers and Comfort Bicycles and check out the deals there. That's just one place, gotta leave some more of the internet hunt for you guys!
For some wick away shirts, such as under-armour. Go to
ranger-joes.com there you'll find the basic "heat" under-armour t-shirt for only $10! Alas, they only come in black, OD green and light brown on this site, so wear a reflector when riding at dusk and dawn. Shoes, I'll leave that up to you, found a good pair for $40 bucks, only 8 ounces. Shorts, go to Dicks Sporting Goods or Dunhams and try stuff out, they aren't in the cycling elitist price range. Helmet, I took my helmet from Dicks ($35), and brought it to the LBS which sold those "elitist" helmets for $130. Mine weighed the same, had as many vents as the other, and was made from the same material. Of course, mine didn't have that "cool" design!
Remember, there's no need to have a bike and equipment that will break the bank. I've personally had more enjoyment out-cycling some douche on a SpecialTrekifiedGiantDale $1800+ bike. Yes, if you have the money and care to treat yourself to something a little lighter (all carbon fiber or titanium), and something that has slightly better welding and the components are tweaked just-so, then up the price ante. But this advice is for those new and just wanting to try out the sport, don't break the bank, besides, you'll want to grab a beer after the ride and have a laugh on how you past that light-walleted guy on the road! Best of luck!
