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

[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.