I have joined the ranks and bought a new bike and am overwhelmed by all there is to learn about cycling. i have only been able to ride my bike once because i'm home recovering from surgery so during my recovery period, i've been lurking on this forum soaking up all sorts of useful info. i have already bought a pair of cycling shoes (SPD) and just have to decide on the pedals. when the doctor releases me to ride (hopefully in a couple of weeks) i will go back to my LBS and talk to the guys there and get trained on using the clipless pedals. that parts scares me!

just wanted to say thanks for all the useful info that i've received just from reading your posts. i know that i need to purchase a couple of jerseys and some cycling shorts as well. i just need to go try on some and see what fits.

what is the difference in the number of panels in a pair of shorts? the more panels the better? i have no clue what that means? are jerseys without elastic more comfy than ones without elastic?