I’ll be picking up a bike this weekend (most likely a Giant Rapid 3 due to the comments in my other post) and just wondering what the essential riding equipment is.

I plan to get a helmet (obviously) and cycle computer, and I already have a waterbottle cage and a small air pump that mounts on the secondary accessory points. Is there anything else that you’d consider essential such as a tube replacement kit or lights?

A bike.

bell

It depends on what kind of riding you will do and where. Gloves are nice for longer rides. If you don't go out at night you don't need lights; if you do you do. If you go out for more than, say, an hour or two, you may want some way to carry a bit of food or some money to buy munchies somewhere. A spare tube is nice, or at least a patch kit; otherwise your pump won't be very useful. If you are riding on unknown roads or unknown trails a map is useful. If you are running urban errands where you leave the bike as you go into a store or school you'll want a decent lock. If you have a lock and if you never go further than you could walk or take public transportation to go home and get a car, then a tube or patch kit isn't necessary. It depends on what kind of riding you will do and where. Oh, and did I say that it depends on what kind of riding you will do and where?

A saddlebag to hold your spare tube, tire irons, patch kit, and emergency cash. And gloves unless you never ride over half an hour.

heart rate monitor (know what your heart is doing) front and rear lites and the rest has alrweady being mentioned....enjoy the ride..

Well then! I'll be doing mostly city bike paths, and theres always a shop in vicinity, so I guess I won't need much!

all you need is a bike and your bod - everything else is optional

A copy of your state's bicycle laws.

No one mentioned a multitool.

My accessory list includes:
Helmet
Gloves (to prevent road rash injury, not for comfort)
Lights
mudguards
Rear luggage rack
Spare inner tube
puncture repair kit
pump
tyre levers
multitool

I generally take the repair kit on any ride over 2 miles.

Not sure of your riding experience, but if your asking what should you add. I would have to guess your a beginner, I would carry
allen wrench set, multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit also, small adjustable wrench, extra batteries for lights, ( I personally carry
a very nice hiking type style first aid kit. ), But I ride in very remote areas, and have needed it a few times. Most important
though, know how to use what you have, practice at home changing a tube, do the back one ( Hardest ), do not wait till you
you really need it, to find out if the pump works, or you have the knowledge to do repairs...Practice at home, during non stress
situations. It will pay off..( Extra cash would be of NO value to me ), cause of where I ride, but in the city sounds like a great
idea...Richard

Well you may need a lock and chain for your bike while you visit the shops.
I'd say (like many above) gloves. They've saved my hands on two occasions when I least expected it.

.....as a matter of interest, I do most of my ridng in the city and I carry very little. No tube, no pump, no tools etc...
Because my bicycle use is mainly for work to visit clients, I don't have time for repairs on the run, hence just the cable lock.

No time to fix a flat? What's the alternative? Call a cab? Is a cell phone your toolkit?

Nobody's mentioned iPod yet.

Good cycling gloves are essential if your going to be cycling any amount. Gel padding helps cut the vibration reaching your hands causing numbness.
Also some cycle shorts or tights (depending on weather). They might feel strange to wear initially, they sometimes feels like wearing an adult nappy (diaper if your in USA) but your backside will thank you very soon.
If your going to be on any unlit roads at night make sure your front light has a decent beam. Don't rely on a little light because a car heading the other way will kill your night vision instantly.

Good question, here in Kyoto the public transport is so accessable and timely, I simply jump on the subway or bus, and at day's end, return and repair my tyre, or take the bike on a subway train to home. The station is about a 6 minute walk from my house. A one day pass is only 500 yen (maybe about $6 US)

+1 on bell

20 in. flat screen and a flat tire repair kit can be really handy out in the middle of nowhere.

Good thing I'll be doing mostly city riding!
All I have is a lock and water bottle cage. I plan to add lights and then call it a day.

BTW, does anybody else have a problem in this forum where you have to scroll all the way to the right side of the screen?

Multitool
Gear/chain lube -- Not to carry with you but for maintenance.

I'll probably always be in the vicinity of a bike shop. I already have a lock, and I think after the cycle computer, gloves, and lights I'll be all set.