I have a "take a look" and use it if Im riding at busy times or if Im not too familiar with the route or traffic patterns.

Better Fred than Dead

I agree.

it's hip to be square

your new bike is beautiful, not overkill by any means. Im sure you will get every penny out of it.

1.) I would recommend taking off the near useless reflectors and replacing them with a front light and a rear blinky as suggested (even for day use). maybe even a helmet light if your riding at night.

2) mtb pedals and shoes are fine if your ok w/them. when these need replacing buy some speedplay.

3) as far as clothing I like bibs that come up high in front. My jersey's all have rear pockets and at least a partial zipper. I dont buy very flashy, multi colored, logo splattered, kit. I stay with black bibs and maybe 3 colors (one being black) shirts. this is what I found comfortable and not too goofy looking, so long as your comfortable and people arent cracking up when you ride past, then your wardrobe is fine.

enjoy. and wear your helmet.

Definitely get a kickstand and don't remove the dork disc. ;-)

+1

Whatever is comfortable for you, I used to use mountain bike shorts when I made the switch, then got a pair of lycra road shorts and they were 100% more comfortable because the pad does not shift and as some one else said, your manhood doesnt get jostled around as much. I recently bought the Specialized 2012 team bib in red https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/Product...f_id=PR3C11240, and I am now officially a bib convert. they may be a little more expensive than regular shorts but the extra 20-30 bucks is WELL worth the price, and you forget about the shoulder straps 5 minutes in on your first ride and never think about them.

If you're with the fast guys, then they'll probably be cool and humble and happy to see another cyclist out on the roads. This good attitude comes from having been stomped on by lots of faster guys in lots of races for lots of years. They'll also drop you immediately.

If you're with the "B" guys, then it's crap shoot. A lot of these freds take themselves way too seriously, and some of them think they're actually 'fast guys'. These are the ones who are actually responsible for a lot of the 'road nazi' stuff you hear about.

The "C" group will probably be a mixed bag of folks, some of which will be dressed just like you so you'll fit in fine.

There is NOTHING "cool" about cycling. The pros all look like Paris Hilton and wear really silly spandex clothing. Most recreational cyclists look more like Larry the Cable Guy but still wear the silly spandex. Leg shaving is considered "fashonable" for men. The bikes are WAYYYYY overpriced and there are probably more worthless gadgets and gizmos in the sport than golf. If you want to look cool, pick another sport.

Your handlebar and stem are really cool.

This has been my experience too. It seems to me that the further up you go, the more fredliness creeps in: frame pumps, saddle bags, mismatched tires, mismatched kits, filthy bikes. It's a function of the high mileage needed to be competitive.

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If you have to ask, then yes, they are uncool.