Where, oh where, do I start?

[mimitabby]

I want to get back into bicycling after a long, l-o-n-g absence. Where do I start?

I no longer know anything about the varieties of bikes available. I do know I want to do very little off-roading, if any, since there is a bike-trail by my house and lots of country roads to ride on. I'm in my early 50s, out of bike shape and I know I need a nice cushy seat because the last bike I rode on felt like the seat was a razor blade. (Ouch. Is it possible that kids don't feel that pain?? Cripes. I wasn't sure there was a seat on there after a few minutes.)

Thanks!

Welcome to TE. The first thing I have to tell you is that you can't get a good bike for $150 anymore That was a rude awakening for me, let me tell you.

What you need is a Brooks saddle. don't go for a really cushy saddle because it will rub you and be a terrible annoyance. I am hoping that while you are getting started anyway, that you can find a saddle that is a compromise between a hoe and a tractor saddle