Let's face it: One of the best things about cycling is that you get to buy lots of toys, er, essential equipment. Whatever you call it, the right gear makes riding safer and more fun. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Helmet
Never ride without a brain bucket. If your head hits the ground, a helmet will protect your brain and could keep you from becoming a corpse or a vegetable. Today’s surprisingly tough helmets have saved riders’ lives in crashes at speeds in excess of 30 mph. And forget the old-fashioned soup tureen look. Today’s lids are so light, well ventilated, and attractive that even hard-core traditionalists have run out of excuses for going bareheaded. Cost: $25 to $150.

Repair Kit
Sooner or later you’re going to get a flat tire. And even if you remembered to bring change for a phone call, what if nobody’s home to pick you up? For cheap insurance, carry the following:

a spare inner tube (size is printed on the tire sidewall)
two to three tire irons for tire removal
a patch kit or glueless patches
a two-by-two-inch piece of rubber (called a boot) to quickly and easily patch a ripped tire
a frame pump or compressed-air cartridge
a seat bag in which to stow everything

Total cost: $40.

Bringing a small multifunction tool is a good idea, too. These small, lightweight wonders typically contain tools to fix a broken chain, align a bent wheel, tighten loose bolts, etc. Cost: $20 to $35.

Water Bottle and Cage
A must for any ride longer than 30 minutes. The cage holds the bottle and attaches to your frame so you can drink on the go. Cost: $5 to $15.
(CAREE note: It is recommended that you have 2 water bottles and cages (or a water bottle and a camelbak) for the AIDS Ride.)

Cycling Shorts
Unlike gym shorts or sweats, cycling shorts are padded to protect your tender regions. Cycling shorts won’t bunch up or get caught on the saddle’s nose, flap in the wind, or become excessively wet with sweat build-up. There are two basic choices: (1) the skintight Lycra version, favored by racer-types and (2) baggies (with sewn-in liner and padding) preferred by the mountain bike crowd.
Cost: $20 to $90.

Cycling Gloves
Besides protecting your hands in a crash, cycling gloves feature padded palms that soften road or trail shock and allow you to grip the handlebar better. Several models sport a terry patch to wipe away sweat. Lots of mountain bikers like full-fingered gloves for their added protection, while roadies tend toward the fingerless kind, which keep hands cooler.
Cost: $10 to $30.

Lock
Bike theft is rampant, especially in cities and on college campuses. Thieves can easily cut thin chains or cables, so many cyclists opt for U-locks (named for the curved bar that attaches to the lock's cross bar).
Cost: $20 to $50.
(CAREE note: While you will not need a lock for the AIDS Ride or AIDS Training Rides , don't forget to secure your bikes at other times!)

Flasher
No, not that kind. A red rear flashing light is great for dawn or dusk rides (though you need a headlight and more rear candlepower for true night riding). These small, lightweight units attach to your bike or backpack, and greatly increase your visibility to motorists.
Cost: $10 to $25.
(CAREE note: You will not need lights for the AIDS Ride or AIDS Training Rides , but lights are essential if you plan to do any night-time or dawn/dusk riding)