Was thinking about this thread and wanted to add one more thought, especially for the US folks who haven't gotten to ride a roadbook before: the equipment is less important than getting to do it.
A bunch of folks here in Colorado started with the cheapy plastic acerbis just about duct-taped to the handlebars and a mechanical odo, and had an absolute blast.
I think many folks think they need all this stuff before they can go try it, that's not the case. KISS, then once you're addicted, start raising the game.
