Quote Originally Posted by Jiffer View Post
Sounds like you've had your question answered in full. However, I wanted to recommend a great book for all beginners and even not so beginners.

Every Woman's Guide to Cycling: Everything You Need to Know, From Buying Your First Bike to Winning Your First Race, by Selene Yeager

It answers lots of basic questions that you have to learn SOMEWHERE. I was lucky to learn a lot from my husband, but I learned a lot from this book as well. She teaches about a lot of basics on the bike itself, plus riding technique and training. A very good investment for any beginner to intermediate rider.
Yes, yes, yes!! I second this recommendation. I bought it last summer after I'd started riding and it helped me tremendously.