Here's a few things to think about, Mort.
1. Get a bike from a bike shop. Please, please, please don't get a WalMart bike! The "Schwinns" that they sell have nothing to do with the Schwinn of old. Going to a bike shop (go to a few, if you can) will insure that you get one that fits right and will work for what you're doing. If you spend $150 on a bike that is 40lbs and is uncomfortable, you've just thrown that money away. You won't ride it after a month or 2. If you spend $300 on a bike that works right, fits well, and is built by a shop that stands behind their products, you'll be excited to ride it whenever you can. Bike shops are cool places, like good homebrew shops. Bike geeks are (usually) happy to share their enthusiasm with you. They take a big pay cut (compared to more lucrative jobs, like construction) to have their careers be in something they have a passion for.
2. you don't have to get lycra, but at least a liner short is nice. Makes things a lot more comfy. And don't wear yer tighty-whiteys under them!
3.Online bike advice is usually wrong and opinionatedly wrong. The bike forums I frequent usually have people with 5000+ posts which means they spend more time arguing about bikes on the internet than riding.
4.Check out
Sheldon Brown's site. I think you two were separated at birth. Seriously, that guy is a wealth of useful information for anyone, from beginners to seasoned bike geeks. In bike circles Sheldon is spoken of with the same amount of respect and awe as Pope Jamil is.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to PM me. This is what i do for a living. (at least until I finish my degree)
