I'm a new cyclist with an older bike, what do I need?

I need advice.

What brand of affordable helmet has worked best for you?

What are some must haves in the cycling world? (besides the obvious ones)

I'm using a 1985 Schwinn Traveler until I have saved up enough for a new bike. What can I do to make my bike more efficient and overall better?

The bike has already been tuned up by the place where I bought it from. The tires are brand new and the chain has been replaced...but other than that the bike has been ridden like 4 times, so yeah it was basically new.

bring the bike to a shop for a tune up. Get biking gloves (padded or gel like ones should be good), extra tubes for your tires, a portable bike pump and some water bottles. Biking shorts will also help with sweat and chafing. Dont go crazy on stuff for this bike as you're probably going to get a new one like you said.

Well, you've got the tune-up, so there's probably not much else to be done. Just keep the bike in good shape - clean and lube the chain regularly, keep your tire inflated, and have fun.

Oh, and adjust your seat properly. The pedals should be far enough away that you're stopping just short of locking your knees at the bottom. A seat that's too low doesn't take full advantage of your muscles. Note that you don't need to - and indeed, shouldn't be able to - touch the ground on both sides while sitting in the seat.

Stuff you should have:
- Helmet - I've always had a Bell helmet, but it's really just a matter of finding one that fits right.
- Lock/cable
- Water bottle
- Air pump with pressure gauge - riding properly inflated tires is far easier and less likely to result in a flat. Also, bikes use higher pressures than cars, so many gas station pumps can't actually inflate a bike tire.

Stuff you might want:
- Panniers - After years of frequent riding and always balking at the cost of panniers, I finally bought some this year. Biking is far nicer without a backpack trapping the sweat in.

A good tune up at a local bike shop on the bike. They'll likely replace the cables and maybe the chain. Don't let them talk you into new wheels or anything else since you want to save for a new one. Depending on their condition, you might need new tires too. Don't ride on very old or worn out ones. You'll either flat or crash and neither is fun. If tires have hung in a garage for years they could have dry rotted so give them a thorough inspection.

For a helmet, popular brands are Bell and Giro (actually the same company). Both make lower priced lids as well as the pricier ones. Avoid buying a helmet at Walmart or big box store. Go to your bike shop so you'll be sure to get the best quality for your money.

I'd definitely get cycling shorts or bibs if you plan to ride more than a few miles at a time. Get a jersey as well. The comfort level is well worth it. Gloves, water bottles, and maybe some bike specific sunglasses would be on my list too.

If you really want to start riding lots, you'll want to invest in clipless pedals and shoes. That can wait until you have more miles under your belt though. Modern clipless systems are easy to master and well worth the investment.

Good luck!

Taylor you just need two legs to get started. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

But yes do the obvious stuff... take that baby into a bike shop and get a full tune-up and cleaning. Don't be shocked by the cost OK? You might have to drop $100 or more, but it's worth it even if you plan to get a new bike. (Or if you have a friend who is into fixing bikes... even better! Buy him a bottle of wine!)

You can never have too many rides in the garage - use them for different things. I have a touring bike, a roadie hot rod and my trusty commuter - a converted mountain bike for rugged road duty.

Recommend:
A properly fitted helmet. Yeah Giro is good.
Gloves
If it rains where you live... fenders - and you could potentially just tranfer them to your new bike. 90% dryer!
Carry stuff... a rack or a basket. Backpacks are OK but will make you sweaty.
A good U-Lock AND cable lock. Use them both if leaving your bike for extended periods.

See you in the bike lane!