Just jumping in
 

Just joined this forum to get some ideas how to get to commuting. I have an early 90's Giant Rincon I have had since I was 12 or so. I have changed alot of stuff over the years. Put linear brakes on the front and have a suspension front fork for it but currently have it off. So my questions are around prepping it for commuting 8 miles to work. I know I need a light setup and some reflective visibility items, along with some racks and panniers for carrying my work clothes/lunch in (lockrooms available at work). The local shop carries Sunlite products and I would like to give him the business for these items but also don't want to just spend money to spend it. So my questions are should I keep shopping online or will the local stuff do the work I need it too? Also any other suggestions more experienced folks may have. I have tried to read a lot of the stickied items. I would like to start doing this soon.

A little reflective tape and a back pack are all you need.
I would go for some slick road tires as soon as possible.

You can get the things you want as you go.

Hello Dirtysailor (lol ... I feel dirty now).

I would start riding, and ride a while before spending any money, except on safety equipment (helmet/lights/reflective vest). I would commute with a backpack at first as well because there's a huge amount to consider when transporting stuff (i.e. you don't want to buy anything too large/small only to realize later that you want something smaller/larger.)

A bike lock, water, and a rainjacket!

Good luck! Commuting by bike is so great and fun!

Getting lights should be your first priority, tires next (not sure what you're on now, but if you're going to ride pavement you'll want slick/semi-slick tires), then a rear rack. Panniers are great, but you can use a couple bungee cords to attach a backpack or other bag to your rack as a good first step that doesn't cost nearly as much.

I agree with the suggestions to get a helmet, lights, lock and then commute for awhile using a backpack. After awhile you'll have a better idea of what you need.

Welcome to a better way to go
 

Lights, helmet, tools & tube, water bottle, rearview mirror, and a big bottle of chain lube. Use the lights day and night. They are mainly to increase your visibility. Clothes should be non-cotton moisture wicking, not black or camo. Bright and colorful may be dorky, but the helmet already has you in that zone.
As for carrying, I started with a messenger bag with a long enough strap that I could sling it around back, at butt level. I did a backpack for about a week. Too hot and sweaty on the back. Finally gravitated to a rear rack. Started by bungie strapping the MB or BP to it and then got the pann...bike bags. I ride in Houston, so heat and humidity are a key element and since its flat here, weight is not a huge issue. Keep things like that in mind when you read the advice here. Everyone's situation is unique. I know my highest service is as a bad example.

Well day one down and no bad things to report. Did some engineering on the front light and got the back blinker going. Scored a few Ortlieb's and a rack on CL. Mounted them all up and sll seems well. All in all it took longer than expected, but was still a great morning to ride around here.