Jude, Welcome. I know just where you are coming from and in fact I have been lurking here for about 6 months and finally am jumping in the conversation. I started biking about 1 1/2 years ago..had thought about it for a while and wish I had tried it earlier because now I"m addicted. I went to my local bike store which happened to be a trek superstore--or rather the one I chose was. They were great about asking what type of riding I was going to do and letting me try out bikes. I ended up with hybrid that I loved and at the beginning of this summer I bought an entry road bike that I love even more. The hybrid was great to start because of the more upright positioning and due to neck problems in the past I've also chosen a road bike that I can be more upright on even with drop bars so I"m not in the most athletic position. I'm turning the hybrid into a "running errands" bike. So, you are warned--not only is it fun, but it's addictive! Since starting I have lost over 30 pounds--still have about 80 more to go. Recently I find that the clothes size is shrinking more than the pounds are coming off, but I'll take what I can get. It's good when your dr. walks in the office and says, "The scale doesn't say you lost weight since your last visit, but you definitely did when I look at you." And more importantly I feel better, stronger, and actually feel athletic, which is a completely new feeling for me given I have never been athletic in any way.

So, I guess I'm saying you are not alone. Find a local bike store and have them help you decide what type of bike to get that you will be comfortable with. The hardest part for me was riding a bike for the first time in the parking lot at the store; however, it all came back immediately I hadn't ridden since high school. Keep in mind when buying that you probably will want a new one once you are fit. For some people that means buying a bike they can sell or convert as a first bike; for some it means making sure they buy something they think will last; and for others it means buying used or less expensive bike as the first one until you decide if you like it. Some LBS will also let you rent bikes for a bit to try it out; just be aware that won't be quite the same as your bike. IF you aren't comfortable with the folks at one LBS try another if you have the option of more than one. I still find them intimidating even though they have been nothing but nice to me.

OK, that was probably a lot more than you wanted to know, but as you can see I really fell for cycling and it's made a huge difference in how I feel and look. And for plus clothes, I love Terry. You can get some of their stuff on TE. They have been good quality and fit well with a relaxed fit I like so they aren't quite so tight.

Enjoy the ride and let us know what you get!!

Chris