Buying riding gear

Just finished up my bike and am starting to get ready to buy some protective gear. I really can't afford the best and all of that so I was hoping someone could guide me in the right direction and find somewhere to get the best deal possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

www.newenough.com has some great deals on gear. They have great prices and service on regular gear and great prices on closeouts as well. Also check the gear portion of this forum. People have posted other links as well for good places to buy from. I highly reccomend heading to some local shops in your area to try on different helmets, jackets, and gloves before you buy though.

Thanks for the quick advice man.

Also, check out www.tricktape.com -- they do price matching, so if you find something you like on another site at a better price, they'll match it (and I've heard their customer service is great!)

But I agree about supporting your smaller, local shops... they'll often do price matching as well (but don't advertise such) and when you frequent them often, they get to know you and your taste, which allows them to provide you with better service, suggestions, etc...