Welcome to the forum, Danielle. This forum is one of the few I've found where I can share my love of bicycling with other gals. It's a great resource.

I'm about as hardcore as it gets with the mountain biking, but, tempting though it may be, I am not going to launch into a tutorial on mountain biking. Just know that - if and whenever - you have a good resource, here, should you decide that kind of biking is for you. Several us of us mountain bike, but most of us road bike, too.

I'll echo the advice given, so far. Go slow, give it time before making any big decisions on equipment and, yes, that includes the seat. We all have to go through that saddle sore stage when beginning.

If weight is an issue, especially important to go slow. A little riding each day is better than going on big rides, several times a week. You need to make riding enjoyable to keep motivation up. Turning it into a distance marathon, right out of the gate, will make it tough to stay motivated. Short, pleasant rides also make it easier to fit riding into your diet regimen, too. Strength and wind will come, but give it time.

If your bike fits you reasonably well and everything works, properly, it will do, for now. This is not the time to go techno or talk shop on bike models. This is the time to get out and ride and enjoy. As you gain experience and accumulate miles, you'll develop preferences.

By all means, give us feedback as you ride and share your thoughts. That's what we do, here.

Joanie