First I would like to thank everyone who has posted information here on Ibex bikes. A recommendation from my brother, the information found here, other online reviews and the fast customer service reply I got sealed the deal.

I ordered an Alpine 550 because I am a heavy rider (261 5'9) and I plan on using the bike for exercise, commute to work and to get into trail riding.

So now that my bike is on its way (also with a shock pump, tire repair kit and mini pump) what other accessories might you all suggest? To some extent I would like to have this bike ready to hit the street and trail (Hybrid?) though initially I will mainly be on bike paths while I get back into shape.

Accessories that I have thought of are listed below. Are there any make/models you might recommend with out spending a fortune? Generally strength and cost would be my main concerns as I am not worried about weight.

Helmet
Gloves
Saddle (one geared for LONG rides, a constantly sore rear will likely end up creating an unused bike. Here is where money is less of an issue for obvious reasons)
Hybrid Tires
Tire Liner (do these really help with punctures?)
Mud Guards
Lights (red/white)
36 spoke wheelset (for added strength and so that I can easily swap out which tires I will be using)

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Now if only UPS would get here already!!!!

I got my 450 a little less than a year ago.

* I still don't have a helmet.
* I bought a pair of $20 gloves with some gel padding
* I bought a set of barends for $20 at local shop.
* I bought a new gel saddle, rode that and liked it at first, but the longer the rides got, the less I likes it. Bought some bike shorts, took a brand new saddle from my GF's Trek, and still didn't like it. Put back my stock saddle which came with Ibex,and now I absolutely love it ! Lesson? Buy bike shorts then shop for new saddle.
* I bought a camelback backpack, but I'm yet to use it as hydration pack, rather use it for short commutes.
* I have a lock and a cheap be-seen headlight/tail light because ride at night on streets.

Every one of those things I bough as the need arose.
My next buy? probably a set of spare tubes and a new BB ring because the stock left ring is a plastic piece of crap that I keep having to tighten.

I don't have any of the other accessories yet. I still ride stock tires. and haven't changed any original components. I feel they suit me fite. Personally, I feel it's your riding that should dictate your next purchase, not an internet forum.

[QUOTE=RogueSpirit
Helmet
Gloves
Saddle (one geared for LONG rides, a constantly sore rear will likely end up creating an unused bike. Here is where money is less of an issue for obvious reasons)
Hybrid Tires
Tire Liner (do these really help with punctures?)
Mud Guards
Lights (red/white)
36 spoke wheelset (for added strength and so that I can easily swap out which tires I will be using)
Now if only UPS would get here already!!!![/QUOTE]

My 2 cents on what to buy in order:
#1: GET A HELMET - I have a Bell Ukon I got at REI on sale for $25. A helmet very well might save your life, no exaggeration. Last month's Mountain Bike Action mag has an excellent article on helmet fit, FYI.

#2: Lights, if you ride at night - a halogen headlight and blinking red for the rear are MANDATORY. Again, safety first.

#3: Gloves: I bought a pair of DP fingerless workout gloves et Target for less than $10 a couple years back - still using them.

Optional Stuff (IMO):
Tire Liner: not necessary - have never used one, and flats arent a major prob. If you are really worried about this, www.gotubeless.com

Saddle: If you are a new rider, your a$$ is gonna be sore regardless - just fight thru it and save your money. Ride for a while and try different models too see what you like and shoot for buying a new saddle next season.

Hybrid Tires: Only if you ride on pave more than on dirt.

Extra wheelset: You can spend some bucks here; wait to see how much and where you ride to see if you REALLY need extra wheels. Dont forget you will need extra cassette and freewheel too.

Stuff thats nice to have:
Saddle bag - multitool - mini-pump - patch kit - tirelevers - it's a long walk back to the car...
Computer - how far did you just ride, anyway?
Camelback - never knew how much I needed one till I got one...

All you guys are right about the Seats, I rode the stock for about 1 month then swapped it for a gel seat. I didnt see an apparent different my arse still hurt after riding but as I rode more often there wasnt any issue with that.
* I would highly recommend getting a tire repair kit, multi tool and wheel levelers stuff that in a underseat mount bag.
* I also recommend getting to know your bike on both pavement & trails before swapping or upgrading. I ride mostly on pavement (mostly rocky pot holed filled streets of chicago) so I was considering swapping the knobbies to combo. not to mention I hear they are faster. havent yet.
* I did however upgrade a couple things on my 2004 IBEX Ignition-2 just to being purchased Used. my seat to Gel Seat, the Headset, the Stem to a 120mm with a 10 degree lift to make it a more comfortable ride. the front derailer.
I know how it feels to not ride for a very long time then getting into MTBing and getting excited about what to upgrade first, most of my recommendations came from other IBEX owners in the forums. so keeping reading and ask any & all questions!
Good luck, keep riding and most of all stay safe.