Hello, I'm new to road biking. I have been riding my Giant Cypress for 5 years or so but just traded up and got a Flat Bar road bike. Cant believe the difference in the two styles of bikes. I ride bike paths most of the time but leaning more to road riding. I ride 15 to 20 miles at a time...and some stop and go on the paths.
Anyway...I want to start getting some road bike clothing and gear and looking for some suggestions.

What order should I start getting the essentials ? I have a helmet already , and I have been using the toe clips that came on the bike. Whats the most important gear to get first ?

Shoes
Clipless pedals
Shorts
Etc.....

Thanks,
Mike

I think the most important are...

Bike fit session, if you haven't already (make sure bike is set up to your body's measurements)

Good pair of bib shorts (buy in person at a shop first--you don't have any so buying online could be a crapshoot. In person at least you can try them on)

Cell phone if you don't already have (for emergencies)

Tire levers
Replacement tube or 10 or 20
Frame pump or CO2 system
Class at local shop teaching how to change
Saddle bag to carry this in

Plat form pedals and regular shoes are fine ,, but the smooth liner of your bike shorts does help .
a Liner short is about the same cost as cheap Lycra Shorts. \

the skin on your sit place, lie all Skin, is a layer of Bacteria , Cleanliness is very Important ..
saddle sores are when that bacteria enters the pores .

Shorts first, everything else can follow.

Thanks for the suggestions..
My LBS spent some time with me and bike in the trainer adjusting things..and test riding...feels good for now. I do have a cell phone and take it everytime. I like the toe clips for now...I have never used them before. Was just wondering about a riding shoe that would work with clips for now..looks like i will be looking at riding shorts..

Thanks ,
Mike

Have the wherewithal to fix a flat while on the road... or good walking shoes.

Each of my bikes has a little seat bag with a couple of tubes, levers, patch kit (yeah, I know, belt and suspenders), and wrench to remove my wheels, which you might not need, and a little folding tool thingy. And a little pump.

I know a lot of cyclists who are not comfortable with servicing a tire quickly while on the road. That's OK, but you can still use all of that kit to fix the tire when you get home, and eventually it will become routine.

You don't need much for 15-20 miles...
Shorts
Water bottle and cage
Seat bag w/ spare tube and inflation device (pump or co2)

Then get out and enjoy!

Shorts or bibs up to you. You will find that owning just one set of gear means you are constantly washing before next ride. How many sets is up to you. Shorts/bibs will come in multi panels. The more panels the better the fit. 8-panel are not bad 10 would be better. Jerseys usually come with a from zipper and back pockets. Jerseys can become "addicting". Since I don't use the pockets I kind of prefer UNDER ARMOR. As you already know you work up a good sweat and the UA wicks away very well. GF insists on jerseys for group rides so whatever. Just ride and enjoy.

Do I dare ask. ..do mountain bike shorts work for road biking ? Dont know if i would feel comfortable in spandex...but then i have never had them on.

We don't wear the spandex 'cause we think we look good (quite the contrary!). They're functional.
Tight helps cut down on friction as legs rub back & forth,
stop constant flapping in wind,
chamois cuts down on friction in sensitive areas,
lycra helps fabric conform to unique shape of individual
tight helps in active muscle massage, etc...

Any shorts will "do" for riding, but do they have all the benefits listed?

Proper MTB Shorts have a chamois, and the liner is normally some type of lycra. The outer shell is not as tight. So, for shorter rides, and, especially for bigger riders, they are fine.

I break down the gear by different types of needs and wants.

Safety Needs:
- Helmet
- Gloves (for unexpected stops, but also for comfort)
- Tire repair kit (Seat Bag; Patch Kit; Tire Levers; Multi-Tool; Extra Tube(s))
- Water Bottle(s) / Cage(s)
- Floor Pump (for home use w/ pressure gauge)
- Portable Pump (either mini-pump or CO2 pump)
- Pedals (some bikes come w/o pedals)

Comfort Needs:
- Bike Short(s)/Bib(s) (Need the chamois for comfort)

Performance Wants:
- Clipless Pedals
- Clipless Shoes
- Jersey(s) (wicking helps with comfort and performance)
- Sock(s) (wicking helps with comfort and performance)
- Cycling Computer (Smartphone can track rides; Strava / MapMyRide seem to be the most popular free apps, but have pay upgrades)
- Heart Rage Monitor
- Cadence Monitor
- Power Monitor
- Computer/Smartphone mount



GH

"Riding for 5 years" =?
learn to fix a flat.
Carry a small multi-tool, set of tire levers, a pump, a spare tube.
next ride your bike!