First of all, a big congratulations on your wanting to exercise and get fit! I've had weight issues all my life, even though I've danced since I was a kid. Anyway, a few suggestions:

1. If you can't reach the bars, try to do some stretching and Yoga. Rodney Yee has some really good DVDs and VHS tapes out there. Even when I was at my heaviest, (196#) I could still put my hands flat on the floor, so leaning over anything never bothered me. I think it may be a matter of flexibility. If you work at it, you can make quite a bit of progress in only a week. Even if it just involves sitting on the floor while you watch tv, and lean over and grab your toes, or spread your legs out and lean over. Just sit like that for a minute or so, feel the stretch, but don't make it hurt. Do that often enough and I bet you'll be grabbing those bars in no time!

2. Don't make the mistake I made...COMFORT BIKE. I purchased a Trek Navigator, and within a year I was hooked on cycling, but that bike had to go. How many times do we read on these boards that people regret those purchases? I'd raise the handlebars, stretch, and then take your time to see what kind of riding you will do. The better you get, the more you will know what you want in a bike. Take your time and see what you like. You may even decide to mountain bike!

3. I read it, didn't believe it, but went on Nashbar and bought some cycling shorts anyway. Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. No, really, I couldn't get over it! That's a purchase I would make if I were you!

4. Comfort seat...after the Navigator comfort seat, I wound up with a Bontrager FIT. Smaller and narrower, but I gave it a try. It was more comfortable than the huge one! I talked to my lbs and he said it was probably because there are fewer contact points than with those comfort saddles. (No, I don't have a bony butt, on the contrary...) It's amazing what I've learned, and it all goes against what I thought. Some people on these boards love the Terry Butterfly, I may have to give that a shot.

3. What everyone is telling you about the biking and weight loss is true! I don't even really have to watch it anymore. A first for me.

Let us know how you do! Sorry I rambled so long, but I really wish I would have found these boards earlier. I am not even pretending to be a cycling expert, but I thought I would share MY mistakes with you. (More like a cycling bumbler) Best of luck to you.