I'd put a high visibility shirt near the top of the list. You don't need something expensive from a bike shop... just a ANSI orange or green shirt like the construction workers wear.

Someone mentioned above that if you have a gas stations nearby with free air, that this could be a substitute for having a pump. Just a word of caution that this is only an option if your bike has Schrader valves. I've yet to encounter a gas station air chuck that would handle Presta valves.

I know this because years ago when I purchased a bike the salesman asked me if I needed a floor pump. I told him no, as I had an air compressor at home and just figured I'd use that to pump up my tires. Later when I discovered that my tires had this weird air valve I'd never seen before, I was back at the LBS sheepishly asking to see their floor pumps.

The 7.3 looks to be the better choice in terms of componentry. My own personal preferences for gear/accessories can all be had from http://www.bikeisland.com w/no shipping charges. Not a shill for this site. The equipment and service are top-notch. Fenders, lights(for darkness riding at least 10w halogen for the front), multi-tool(bikeisland has a Park MTB-3 which has a built-in chaintool), tube(s), tire cleat, tire levers, patch-kit, rack, panniers or trunk bag, frame pump(Topeak Road Morph w/gauge) and a wb cage. If you're going to ride in darkness reflective tape and clothing are requisites as well as blinking taillights.

Looking at my commuter/utility bike as I type this my rig has all the aforementioned accessories and doesn't look overloaded or busy. In addition to a night light I run a blinking daylight 'be seen' light as well. Side reflectors in my spokes along w/reflective sidewall tires.

My commute's pretty long so it's necessary for me to equip my commuter as if I'm doing a light tour everyday. Your needs may not be that extensive, but getting good quality gear is a good habit to develop. Over the last 5 years of cycle-commuting I've had 2 full-stop road emergencies. Both were flats. No mechanicals. The better part of stress free commuting is consistant maintenance. Haunt the Mechanics sub-forum. Ask questions. They're the best and are very generous w/their knowledge. "Better to know and not need than to need and not know." B.B. King

So, do your homework. Have fun! :thumb:

Wow. LOT of opinions on here. Many of the things listed I wouldn't call anything close to essential. In my opinion, like a few others have said, you have a bike, and the desire to ride. Everything else, you'll figure out.

For example:

I was riding w/ a bag & a lot of books- didn't like the weight on my back, so I got a rack & pannier.

I was riding w/out any patch kit or repair tools, then some friends got flats & I decided I'd rather be prepared, so I got what I needed.

I always had a helmet & lights, but one rainy night I went over some railroad tracks, flew off the bike, and landed in traffic. My helmet hit the pavement, instead of my head, and the lights prevented me from getting hit by cars. Now I don't even question using them.

I didn't like riding on platform pedals, so I got straps & cages. Didn't like those either, so I got clipless, and I love them.

Just roll with it (no pun intended), you'll figure out what you need. Good luck and have fun!

Any lbs will have a brass presta to schrader adaptor and some frame pumps come equipped w/them.