OK, so we are traveling soon....

we are going to rent bikes. the bike shop has a road bike for Mr. but only a hybrid in my huge size.

so, it was discussed that we should/could take our own shoes/pedals.....

I've never taken the pedals off before, do I need a pedal wrench to do this or will any old tool do?

will I be able to put my spd's on the hybrid?

what about packing my helmet? I thought about buying an inexpensive helmet to travel with rather than take my Giro Pneumo. I mentioned this to Mr. and he looked at me like I had completely flipped my lid (no pun intended). What say you ladies?

I've never ridden a hybrid, what it will it be like for me?