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automogul · 11-10-2005, 09:01 AM

Greetings all!

I've done some looking around the forums for a very important topic, and I can't seem to find topics on it. I'm sure it's been covered, but I'm not searching correctly or something. I have several questions. Please excuse me if they've been asked, and provide a link if you know of some specific topics I can refer to.

First off, the wife and I are really getting into our new bikes. We've been doing LOTS of riding. We picked them up about 2 weekends ago, and we've already nailed 600 miles to the odo. That's time for our first service. I'm getting that done this weekend.

I live in Holly Hill, SC, which is about 40 miles outside of Charleston. The temps have been fluctuating up and down the past few weeks here. Fall is in the air. All of the temperature flux makes us really want to work on getting some good riding gear that will make us more comfortable. There are so many different brands out there to look into. There are so many styles and types (textile/leather). Here's where the questions begin.

1) I know a lot of it comes down to cost and personal preference, but what are the best brands to look into (value and quality)?

2) Are there some items you have found that are MUSTS for your riding experience?

3) What about accessories for the bikes (like saddle bags), what types (hard/soft, real leather/synth) are the best to get?

4) What are the best retailers ONLINE to look at for clothing, and for bike parts? I know of Oneida for parts.

5) If anyone lives in (or has been around) the Charleston area, what shops are good to go to locally for riding gear?

I'm really just trying to feel out what's important to have, where to start in terms of gear, what brands are to be trusted, which ones aren't, what specific piece is the all important first step, etc etc.

I'm not going to have gobs and gobs of money to spend. Anything I buy will likely be in douplicate since my wife needs essentially the same stuff. Women's gear is a little different, I know so all you lady riders out there, feel free to chime in too. She needs some help as well.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer. I think it's important to new riders like myself and my wife to get a good handle on the gear that's needed/not needed, and the brands that are hot and not so hot.