Biking

What else are you going to do in rockford besides slowly go insane? I bought a bike with the paltry sum my employer up here calls a bonus. Buying the bike is just the beginning. There are all kinds of neat accessories you need to have and those you should consider having. I was amazed how quickly all of these trinkets and bags add up.

Must-haves:

• Double Gel seat: it's only 5 bucks more than the gel seat so do yourself a favor. 15 bucks
  tire irons: the plastic doo hickeys you use to prop the tire off the tube.
• hex wrench set
• multi tool: get them in sporting goods at a retail store for around 10 bucks. it has pliers, knives, screwdriver, file, etc.
• spare innertube: believe me, when you have a flat in the middle of nowhere, you'll be glad you did.
• tire patch kit: see innertube
• water bottle and holder: unless you like to dehydrate and get sick. 5 bucks.
• Locks: you need a cable to attach the quick-release seat post to the frame. You need a kryptonite cable lock if you have quick-release wheels otherwise you have to take the front wheel off and lock it to the frame. If you have neither quick-release wheels nor quick release seat post then get a D-shaped lock. 8 to 40 bucks.
• Tire pump: you can buy the cheapo one at wal mart for 10 bucks or a nice one for 20.  Mine has fold down pedals to stand on which makes pumping easier plus a built in pressure gage. The more you attach onto that stem your chances of screwing up the tube increase. 20 to 30 bucks.

And some kind of bag to hold all of it in. Spend about 10$ and get something that attaches behind your seat with velcro.

Other things

Rack: it creates a storage area over the rear wheel. Great for groceries. 20 bucks.
Jumbo bag: it attaches to the bike rack. Cops have them on their bikes. Great for holding most things short of the kitchen sink. Be sure to check that the material is water resistant and repellant. A little scotch guard wouldn't hurt either. If you're on the trail all day this is a good thing to have. If you make frequent stops at stores, leave it at home...otherwise it will get stolen. 20 bucks.
Portable tire pump: beats blowing into that innertube when you get a flat tire on the trail. 10 bucks.
Water bladder: they hold upwards of a gallon of water. If you're on the trail all day this is a good thing to have. 30 or 40 bucks.
Accessory bags: they can mount almost anywhere: over the handlebars, under the frame, behind the seat...just about anywhere. 5 to 20 bucks.
Gel grips: better than gripping hot metal all day. Also prevents callouses from building up. 6 bucks.
Gloves: a must for trail usage. 10 bucks.
Toe clips: a must for trail usage. 7 bucks for a pair of metal ones.

In my experience bike shops have good selections of accessories but they are over priced. Dick's Sporting Goods has the largest selection of bike accessories I've seen so far. Target and Walmart have good selections as well.