so just got back from the bike shop. they are offering to get me a 2019 FX 3 for 609 before tax. Also a $50 credit to use towards whatever in the store. Does this good? And if so regarding the credit should I use that towards a helmet? Trying to look through the site to get opinions on if I should get a helmet and what kind is right for this type of bike. The store recommended a helmet there, i believe it was called the Bontrager Quantum w/MIPS tech. It's priced at 110 so with the credit it'd still cost me 50ish. Doing research to look into the helmet situation but wanted to update. Thanks for any and all help!!

so I guess I'm wondering about the helmet bc I would be using all the store credit and paying the diff. Of 50-60 for that helmet. Or if I should use the store credit and just get bottle holders,and random things? just don't wanna spend the extra money if I can get a cheaper helmet..in this case I suppose I'd be getting the helmet technically for 50-60 dollars, but on line or something. The more research I do on helmets the more confusing it gets lol. And the fact that I can't try them on, see how they fit etc just a bit overwhelmed 😔

To be honest I didn't think to ask if I have to use the credit right then and there, so I'll ask tomorrow(they closed already.). Def. good advice on holding on to it and then thinking what I need after the fact. I feel like up front the first thing I do need is a bottle holder and bottle. I know this is an absurdly noob question but shouldn't I get a kickstand? Or is that incredibly frowned upon and or just simply stupid lol I don't see much mentions of them on here so I wonder. As for the helmet, I'll take a look at BBS, just had assumed from reading over this site that was a no no.. thanks for the continued help!

oh ok thanks. What one is it that you have on your giant? Is there a preferred method as to where it's located?

thanks for all the input guys. So Trek has their own Bontrager Integrated Kickstand. It looks almost identical to HOKIEFYD's stand on his giant. So I've definitely decided that I want a kickstand, preferably integrated for a cleaner look. However the review for this stand are not that great. Granted there are only like 7. But I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this stand and if I should go with a more well reviewed one that's not integrated. It does of course come with their unconditional guarantee so it's not like I can't replace don't the road if it breaks.. But the few reviews I found online suggest it doesn't do well with panniers, which I imagine I'll eventually get one.. Here is the link if you don't mind taking a look...
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/e...stand/p/00317/

thanks for any and all help! Really making this process a pleasant one, really appreciate it!

so I called the shop were I'll be picking up my bike. Funny enough, I finally make the decision to go for the stand, and the guy essentially said.. " wait you want a kickstand? Are you sure? I mean that's rare, if any at all have them on that type of bike..I mean I can order for you if you want" I was like umm oookk? Asked him about the Giant kickstand, he suggested I stick to Treks brand. So I went ahead and had him order that to be put on once my bike is built. I'll look in the mean time and see if I can find some info on the Giant stand as it sounds stronger. Bit of a bummer. Oh well, I want one 😋

Thanks for the response! Crazy you mention that pedal. I've been looking at various pedals and those keep popping up for their price, quality and color options. If you could give me your opinion on them I would really appreciate it, especially since you have the same bike! Firstly what color did you get and what color is your FX 3? I ask bc my FX will be the black matte with the red accents and I was looking at the red chesters online, unfortunately can't tell if they would match or not? Hopefully I can find them in a store so I can see what the true color is. Second, regarding the pins on the pedal..I've read that these can destroy your leg lol. If you hadn't read above I'm a complete noob to biking so I'm unaware of if it's normal to have pins like these on a non MTB bike and wha not. Debating if I want to get pedals right out the gate or ride on the stock ones for a month or so and see how I feel. Lastly regarding the adapter and bar ends, I think I know what your referring to, do you have a link to the exact ones you got? I think I'll eventually want to get them but I think further down the road after I get some good riding in and feel comfortable on the road so to speak. Sorry for the long response lol. But any and all help is much appreciated!!

haha, what I was thinking. Too cool for school that guy I tell ya XD
but the shop doesn't sell giant. Trek seems to be their main one. I guess I wasn't too surprised since I already had thought many people don't buy them from what my initial understanding was lol but yeah, when I looked on treks site, most shops around me had them but not the one I'm getting it at. Maybe they are undercover bike snobs?

thanks for the response! I think I'm sold on the chesters. with regards to the pins, can you adjust how much they stick out or are they just whichever way they come? Did you buy them online or in store? Trying to find best price. Found some knock offs essentially on Amazon but not sure I'd wanna to start down that path lol. As for the adapter, looking at the page I'm a bit confused. Is that simply for a bracket to then hold additional bars you have to purchase, clamp style I believe it says? If so is their a particular one for this bike? Lastly, and again thank you so much for your help! But was just wondering if you have any additional accessories for your fx 3 that's worth looking into..thanks!!!

Ok guys so my bike is coming in tomorrow and should be ready by Saturday. I talked with the shop some more on pricing and what not, and wanted to lay it out for y'all (apologies I'm from Texas XD) so you can let me know what you think, if you don't mind that is..if it's a good deal or not, opinions, really any thoughts on it! etc. thanks for all of the input thus far. Really appreciate it!!

- 2019 Trek FX 3. Black matte with red accents
- Bontrager Quantum MIPS helmet in black
- Bontrager Integrated Kickstand
​​​​​​- Bontrager Bottle Cage either matte black or red
- Race Face Chester Pedals in red

TOTAL out the Door - $694

I can also add the Bontrager Duotrap S+ sensor for an extra 25-30 bucks. Not sure if I need that yet, I do love tracking stats with just about everything I do, so if I understand what this does..could be cool..has anyone used one of these?

Anyways that about wraps it up. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated. As always, thank you!!

-Matthew

thanks for the response! So regarding the sensor needing a head unit. I was under the impression you could use your phone and connect via an app, is that incorrect? I'll check out the CPU your referring to. When you say it fits in their built in mount, are you referring to Trek's BLENDR system? Or something else? Sorry noob here XD. And with regards to the bottle holder, I need to see it on the bike that's for sure. I'm crazy OCD so I want the colors to flow well. So with bike being black and red accents..I was either gonna do the red pedals, black holder, and then red bottle...or red pedals, red holder, and black bottle. Ahhh first world problems lol. I'm just not sure if I had the red pedals and red bottle holder if it'd be too much ? What do you think? Thanks for any and all help!