On above comments: A helmet is almost required IMO. If you plan to ride with a group, they will probably require a helmet. Everyone wears one, and you'll feel and be safer that way. Yes, accessories will add up fast. Bike Magazine had an article for new bikers saying a $1000 budget gets you a $200 bike and $800 worth of accessories. Shoes and clipless pedals aren't required, but nice. A helmet, shorts, sunglasses, and all the necessary tools to fix a flat, etc would be good buys. The shorts, today was my first day wearing riding shorts and let me tell you, good shit. I wore a pair of slim casual shorts over them, and it worked great. Sure, make sure it fits. They're fairly adjustable, but at least get the right frame size and right type of bike. My Fuji = bent over racing position, so my neck got a little sore this morning on our ride.