Reddit mentions of SixSixOne Comp Shifted Helmet (Black/White, Medium)

SixSixOne, only set me back $75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OCZ1RQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I wear this with some cheaper thor goggles and they fit well together. This helmet lets your dome breathe well, and the best part is how much more peripheral vision it allows than any other helmets I've worn in the past.

Alright. This is gonna be really long, so feel free to only respond to certain parts or just ignore it completely.

I'm so excited because I've been looking around online at all kinds of MTB stuff for a while now and I actually feel like this is the thing I've been looking for in life to be passionate about. I can actually feel that adrenaline and those endorphins you guys talk about whenever I see a first-person video posted here, and I'm not even the one riding. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but I can't help but be extremely excited nonetheless.

I've watched quite a few basic to intermediate technique videos and I think I'm finally ready to give it a shot. Now I just need to decide on what kind of gear (especially the bike) to get, and that's where I definitely need your help. I'm not sure what information is helpful for this, so I'll just provide a buncha info.

My physique: Male - 20 years old - 6'3" - 175 lbs. - can competitively run a 5k - I'm more on the lean side than the muscular side.

Bike: Yeah I really have no idea what to even look for here. I saw the google doc on all the bikes and it was great to see all the options, but I haven't got a clue as to what I should get or whether or not to buy used or new. I'm definitely hoping to go on the cheaper end here as I'm just a college student (limited budget) and I'm only just now starting to ride. However, this is something I think I'd be willing to invest a solid amount of money into. Any suggestions?

Helmet: I definitely want to get a full-face helmet because I don't want to have to deal with any dental problems. I'll compromise comfort for teeth. I've read a lot of good things about this SixSixOne helmet, and it's relatively inexpensive, so I'm leaning toward that at the moment. I'd like to try it on somewhere first, and work from there. Same goes for the goggles. Although I saw a low-priced Thor pair on that same amazon page, I think I should see if they're comfortable first.

Gloves: I have no idea here. I'll probably shop around, but any starter suggestions would be much appreciated.

Any other advice about apparel such as pads or just general clothing that you like to wear while you ride would be much appreciated as well. Also, is it a good idea to get some compression shorts?

Other questions: Are there any exercises you might do specifically off the bike to help you out when you're riding? What do you bring in that backpack of yours when you go riding? What do you think is the best way to transport your bike long distances?

Also, on the off-chance that anyone knows of any good trails in the Indiana University area or the Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan area, I'd love to know about them.

Any other advice that you'd like to give would be appreciated as well.

If you've made it this far, I applaud you. Sorry for bouncing all over the place, and thank you so much for reading all this. I'm really excited to be joining this community and can't wait to get into such a cool sport.