Quote Originally Posted by tulip View Post
TE right here has great sales and apparel. $20 shorts will not serve you well, however. Get the best that you can. Remember, your body meets the bike in only three places: feet, hands, butt. Best take care of those parts or you might be miserable.
I'll have to look at the sales. Thank you!

I agree about getting good shorts. I do have an excellent pair of bibs from long ago that are in good condition and fit me snug, but well enough that I'm not saddle sore. I just want a second pair as backup if I don't get around to hand-washing and hanging my good pair in time for the next ride.

I did get my new pedals (Shimano Ultegra Carbon) on and at first did not like them *at all*. I was used to metal cleats into metal pedals and didn't like the plastic cleats going into carbon pedals. I toyed with cleat position and pedal tension for over an hour and finally got a combo that I felt comfortable with. I rode 18.5 mi. this morning and they felt good. No discomfort. I had to get home to get the kiddo to a lesson, or I would have ridden more. At least first impression was positive for the new pedals and shoes.

Thanks again to all for tips and ideas!