Some, all, or none of these may be important to you when buying your helmet: Is it quiet (wind noise) Does it have removable padding for easy cleaning Good air vents for summer Replacement visor costs Ease of removing visors Can it take a pinlock insert (stops fogging) Probably missed something off the list. Fit is definitely the most important though. For other gear if you're commuting then you will need waterproof kit if your planning on riding in all weather. Also will you have separate summer and winter kit or removable thermal linings. One thing I've noticed with starting early is it can be cold in the morning and red hot going home, so having removable layers is helpful. You can also just use extra layers underneath of course.