Not Exactly Maintenance

[Kimmyt]

Haha. And I like Look because they were the cheapest in the store while still having a decent reputation and after practicing on them for about 10-15 minutes I had it down. I fell once with them, and that was when I was coming to a stop anyway at the end of my first training session, and after that haven't fallen. They're easy to get out of in a pinch (as I learned the other week when I took a turn a bit fast coming from a steep downhill and hit some mud/gravel, which kicked my tired out from under me. I managed to unclip both feet and get off the bike and the baby didn't even hit dirt because of that quick move!

Also, regarding the knowing what you like thing? I'm with you on that. I, too, am a new rider, but believe me that once you start riding you will learn what you do and do not like. I'm still learning, and will be for ages I think. In the beginning you won't be able to say, "I'll like this saddle" or "These shorts will work for me". Because you haven't put the miles on to know where your butt will need padding.

Also, in case anyone hasn't mentioned this, when you do get your bike you should make sure that you get a good Fitting from the bike shop boys. Ask about that when you go to shops. A fitting is basically where the guy puts you on a trainer and adjusts different things about the bike so that it fits YOUR body personally, and not some athletic ideal's body. They may shorten the stem to the handlebars, they might put on narrower (or wider) bars, different crank lengths (that's what the pedals attach to) and adjust your seat height for you. It'll make a difference. A good fit should, in my opinion, be able to predict where your problem spots are going to be (things you might be tempted to change yourself, later) and fix them for you before you even start riding.

K.