Product Suggestions?
 

Hey,

I am in need of a helmet and a water bottle and in want of some gloves.

This is what I have narrowed it down to. Any opinions or suggestions? Pros cons? You know the routine I'm sure.

Also, as a beginning rider is there anything else I really need/should have?

Louis Garneau Fast Helmet: http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...0052_159503_-1

Giro Monaco Short Finger Glove: http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...0052_506525_-1

Camelbak Performance Water Bottle 22oz: http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...0052_133706_-1

Thanks,
Cory

specialized helmet and bottles and gloves. later.

I'm sorry, but that made zero sense. Throw in some commas and periods cause I did not get that at all. Do you mean Specialized helmet as in the brand or specialized helmet, bottles, and gloves as designed for function? And by later do you mean all three? or two? or one? or none?

yes. specialized brand. for all the things you are wanting. good day. later.

By the way, didn't mean to sound like a jerk - sorry if I did.

Thanks for the suggestion. Any others?

Specialized stuff is very good but also very expensive.

I bought some gloves ($40+) and a bottle cage ($15). They're pretty good.

Probikekit bottles with 10% off "tdfusa" is a great deal. I bought 3 today.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0215

As far as helmet, it's a personal thing. None of the Giro helmets fit me very well. I bought a cheapo bell (solar). It was the most comfortable on my head.

I would say go to you local bike store, so you can try on the helmet - fit is important. There are many good brands: Specialized, Bell, Giro, Garneau. While you're there, try on some of the gloves that are in stock. Water bottles are usally cheap and plentiful. I don't personally think the brand matters on those.

Other items that you didn't mention:

Clipless pedals and shoes.
Saddle bag to hold road-side repair tools
Tire patch kit and/or a spare tube.
Tire levers, for changing flat tires.
Mini airpump for inflating repaired tire.
Maybe a multi-tool - I don't carry one, but some do.
Cycling shorts - important for comfort.
Cycling jersey (many consider this optional - ie wear a t-shirt)

That water bottle is weird looking for cycling.

My preference.
Water Bottle: Camelbak Podium, in any case, look for PBA free.

Gloves: You don't necessarily need gloves, many ride without. I'd wait til you get numbness issues or harshness issues and then evaluate the cut and padding. I personally like QI Attack.

Helmet: Bell Volt, you really need to try a helmet on locally, they all have different shapes and fit. Visit your local LBS.

Also make sure you have some UVA/B/C blocking sunglasses, that are impact resistant rated to ANSI Z87.1 certified at least.

Go to a shop and try different helmets on because they fit differently. Any old water bottle will do the trick but some offer insulated liners (Camelbak) as well as self sealing valves, but bottom line is they all release water when you squeeze them. Specialized makes some good gloves and are not that pricey so they're worth a look.