I was in the same boat last summer--new to cycling and a little overweight. Just order a pair from Performance that don't cost too much, so you can be comfortable without feeling like you invested a fortune. I bought a pair for about $20, I think, and they worked fine. When you get to the size you want to be, you can reward yourself with a better pair! But the chamois really makes a difference in how comfortable you are on your bike.

Tamara