Buy your bike from a local shop with a good service program. Some shops offer service regularly as part of the program. This is important, especially in the beginning months of a bike's life, as the cables will stretch and create shifting and braking adjustment needs.
Be sure to have a professional or an experienced rider fit you for the bike and helmet. The proper frame size will ensure better low back comfort and fewer problems with knees, neck and shoulders. Along with the frame sizing, you may need to change the stem or seat post to accommodate your body length and size. Helmet fit is critical for protection in a crash. A helmet that sits back too far, revealing your forehead, and perhaps even hair, won't be helpful in a crash. The straps should be snug and the buckle and not flapping in the breeze!
Shoes: Comfort is the key, but also look for a pair with a stiff sole. The stiffer the sole, the more power in your pedal stroke. Soft mushy soles transmit more of the energy from your legs into the shoe rather the putting the power in your pedals! If you are going with a clipless pedal system, have an experienced bicycling expert set the cleats up for you. Plan to spend some time just pedaling around feeling the sensation of being "clipped in". Adjust the tightness of the pedals loosely at first, so that you can easily get out of them (especially when you suddenly arrive at a red light). Give yourself lots of practice time clipping and unclipping on a soft flat area before hitting the road or the trails.
Shorts: Cycling Shorts are designed to eliminate chaffing and rubbing on sensitive areas! Try on a few pairs to determine personal fit and comfort and then DONT WEAR YOUR UNDERWEAR when you use the shorts on the bikes! This defeats the whole purpose and immediately marks you as a beginner "geek"!
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