I'm not a novice, but I feel like one.

[BluOrchid2]

I just feel so dumb and lost...the more I "learn", the dumber I feel. I don't know any of you (yet) so I'm going to just ignore that dumb feeling and ask away.

What are the biggest differences between a "commuter" bike and a "touring" bike? I have a general understand of the differences between a road bike and a mountain bike, but those other two I don't know yet.

I am riding a hybrid, but have started thinking about getting road bike probably in about 1.5 years, after my Jeep is paid off and I have that extra money to save for a new bike. I don't know even where to begin in the hunt for the perfect bike. I don't even know what size frame I need, or how to measure myself to find out.

I've always ridden wearing running shoes, but a spin class instructor told me last winter that running shoes are the worst kind of shoe to ride in because the soles are so flexible. That I should ride in a shoe with a firm, not-so-bendy sole. I've never ridden a bike that had the things on the pedals that cover the front part of your foot (see, dumb. I don't even know what to call the various pieces and parts of a bike.) or the kind of pedals that cycling shoes fit onto. Just a regular pedal is what my bike has. So should I change the kind of shoes I'm wearing? And for what purpose? What is the reason for wearing firm-soled shoes?

I'm sure I'll have more dumb questions in the coming weeks, so hold some of your laughter for those. LOL (gah, I'm dying of embarassment here!)

[moonfroggy]

i don't think any of your questions are dumb. i'm not really sure there is such a thing as a dumb question? maybe it can be dumb to not seek knowledge and not ask questions though.

i think if your bike has large flat pedals your shoes may be fine my understanding for wanting a firm shoe is to give more area for your foot to press down on. i have regular flat plastic pedals on my mountain bike which i also use for running errands and going around town so i hop on and off a lot. they are great for that!

the pedals shoes clip into are called clip less pedals which is just silly but they are called that because the pedals with the part your toes fit into are sometimes called toe clips i think. i have also heard them called toe cages? not sure of all the terminology.

sure others will have a lot more info for you than what i have. i really think the most important thing is to have fun and be safe.

[malkin]

Once your personal physical odometer clicks past 50 (years) you will see the truth and beauty of longer shorts.

[PamNY]

What are the biggest differences between a "commuter" bike and a "touring" bike? I have a general understand of the differences between a road bike and a mountain bike, but those other two I don't know yet.

I am riding a hybrid, but have started thinking about getting road bike probably in about 1.5 years, after my Jeep is paid off and I have that extra money to save for a new bike. I don't know even where to begin in the hunt for the perfect bike. I don't even know what size frame I need, or how to measure myself to find out.

I recently got some very good advice about bike shopping in this thread.