welcome again snp: you could also check with your LBS and see if they offer a basic maintenance course.......most do. I also told the guys at my LBS that I was the one that was going to have to do the work on my bike (which in my case is true) and to please show me what they're doing so I don't have to keep going in there for the little stuff......and they do. Like everyone else said - fit fit fit. You'll Know which bike is right for you: it's kinda like going to the eye dr...you know that feeling when they get the right prescription dialed in?? Bike fit is the same thing.