Which helmet/accessory to get?
 

I just ordered a red Trek 3700 and I should be getting it this weekend. My question is: what is a quality, reasonably price, basic helmet to get? Also, what are other accessories that are must-haves?

I don't have a biking outfit, but I'm not sure if I need one since I'm just going to ride by the West Side highway and Central Park.

Any suggestions?

Consumer Reports recommends a Bell Citi or a Bell Slant. There was one Trek helmet that rated well but I do not remember the model.

Giro also makes some excellant helmets.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/t...bike%20helmets

Go to Nashbar and go crazy. I bought the older model of this Bell Citi helmet which adjusts very easily to a lot of head sizes.

Get yourself a front/back light. There are a lot of people that use rechargable systems but for a quick ride here and there something like this Cateye EL-530/LD-1000 combo will do just fine.

Go to your LBS or REI and pick up a package of Jogalite reflective leg bands. They'll hold your pant leg out of your chain and make you more visible from the side.

Any item of clothing should be tried before you buy- Shorts- Tops- Gloves and in particular helmets- If it ain'y comfy- you ain't going to wear it.

I do a lot of online buying- but never for clothing.

Once you have the essentials to get you riding- The best "Toy" you can get for a bike is a computer. Won't help riding but does help to confirm that you are not as fit as you'd like to be. Then again- it will show how much fitter you are in a years time.

+1 for Bell Slant. Removable visor, looks good, great price.

I like my Bell Alchera. Huge vents for the hot summers here in Texas.

Get a lock--one that's meaner than NYC bike thieves. You may not be planning on it now, but at some point you'll want to hop off the bike to pee or go into a cafe or a store for something. It'll be nice to have a bike to ride home on.

I have a generic Bell as well. For the price, it offers a lot of vents, tested and certified protection, and decent looks. You can buy more expensive helmets, but that's up to you.

Oh yeah... What tsl said... I assumed you had 1-2 solid bike locks that you took with you... If you are in NY... I'd scoop up a NY chain and a NY lock if you don't mind the weight. At least get the U-lock if the NY chain is too unwieldy. In any case, consider locking skewers too if the bike is going to be locked outside for significant lengths of time... its nice to have a fork and both wheels on your frame when you return.