I'd say the best shoes for spinning class are whatever fit you well. Also, you might want to be able to walk in them -- my SPDs have NO tread on them so it's a bit slippery!!!

What kind of bike do you have now? I think it takes a bit of trial and error to find out where your niche is in riding; people gravitate toward different things. I like distance and not speed though I like the option of being able to go a bit faster. When I first started riding on an old mountain bike, I went everywhere! I just played through orange groves (back in Calif) and undiscovered dirt roads. I was never good at technical riding but I learned after a few years that I rode more on the road than not so a road bike was in order.

Truth be told, I'm shy too. I used to run track in school so I'm used to my training efforts being monitored so I'm half-convinced people are watching me though I know otherwise! (I guess it's cause for concern when I hear voices?!) I know it's awkward to do something new but you did it in spinning class, right? THAT can be intimidating because spin class is difficult and gyms can be a bit clique-like.

I think you will find everyone will be so supportive. There are always jerks in every sport but for the most part, people are great. And we've ALL (haven't we?) fallen over, some of us for VERY silly reasons