Hi KT. I'm in the same boat as you! I got a great deal on a used bike and I'm riding it a little, but I know that I would feel more comfortable and use it way MORE if I had more "accessories." Some things like a pump are basically a necessity. Lights + helmet are a really good idea for safety. And a basket or panniers are going to be needed to haul stuff around!
What I have purchased so far:
- Lights
- Decent pump for at home
- Computer (this was definitely a luxury, but I bought it with cash back rewards from my CC, which I use for business travel that's reimbursed to me anyway...so I like to think I sort of got it free)
- 2 tubes, 1 because I accidentally pulled the valve out of the back tire tube, 1 as a spare in case of a flat
- tire remover tool thingys (I'm afraid I don't really need these...)
- mini CO2 cartridge thing for filling a flat
What I still want:
- Rear Brake - mine doesn't disengage properly (used/inexpensive or maybe just a certain part I need?)
- Fenders (Free - have parts from my old P.O.S. bike, need to be retrofitted/jerry-rigged)
- Back cargo rack (Free - have parts from my old P.O.S. bike, need to be retrofitted/jerry-rigged)
- Front Basket (used? or can I make something?)
- Toolbag/Toolbox (Free - saw on bikehacks.com someone upcycled a peanutbutter jar)
- Tools
- Bungees/rope, a large crate I can attach to back rack to haul bigger stuff, panniers
I'm hoping to not spend much more, but I really need some storage solutions so that I can carry more stuff in order to ride comfortably and carry groceries, or my derby gear to practice :)
seriously KT check out bikehacks.com! I'm sure other bike people know of other sweet tricks and hacks to pimp your bike on the cheap