From a fellow houstonian: ride it on typical Houston pavement. Though we don't have have hills until you get to Austin Houston does have plenty of crappy roads! Those will most likely be the roads you will be riding on, also even where there are paved trails those are pretty bumpy too. It's what we get for living on a swamp with a constantly moving water table. Don't let the lbs point you to the newest paved road nearby. Do stay close to the bike shop until you think everything is adjusted properly, don't be afraid to go back and ride the same bike over again, several times if needed.