Originally Posted by
Seattle Forrest
(1) No, you don't need Andre the Giant's bibs, or cycling shorts. Most roadies like them a lot, but you're completely fine riding in normal people clothes, too.
(2) You don't need to get clipless pedals right away, but if you wait, when you finally get them, you'll wish you'd had them all along.
+1 I was in a similar situation as the OP and so far have not converted to cycling specific gear. I did go clipless though and love them.