The great thing about him is, he'd never let me be stupid about it, and wouldn't take advantage by letting me get something I don't need at this stage of my riding!
I'm trying to make my way through the threads, but with dial-up, it's painful! Living in the country only leaves me with the option of riding on the roads and there are no bike clubs down here like there are where he lives.
That means that most of the info I get will have to be through stories and not necessarily someone pointing stuff out... it's a LONG drive to the bike shops nearest here, meaning that when I do buy I will have to have extras of the things that I might end up needing along the way, just in case.

I appreciate the help! And to be honest, I've found more knowledgeable women on the subjects than knowledgeable men, and that's nice, but some questions I'd still rather have complete strangers answer!