And I'm SO new.

I am overwhelmed. I read the threads and realize I need to learn a whole new language.

I live in Dallas (fairly flat terrain) and will probably do my riding around White Rock Lake. It seemed like a fairly straightforward idea -- buy a bike and ride. But now I don't know where to start.

There are some bike shops. There's REI. I'm a little nervous about going in. I'm 5'8" and weigh 200 lb. and am 50 years old and VERY out of shape, and every time I see those hard bodies on bikes I wonder who I'm kidding.

But anyway. I don't want a bike where I lean over the handlebars -- even when I was a teenager those freaked me out and made me feel like I was going to fall forward. I want thick nobby tires (I think). Or REI site mentions Cruiser/Comfort bikes. How likely am I to find a good one for around $300? Impossible? Doable?

Also, a big-*** seat. Is there such a thing? Last time I tried to ride a bike it had a skinny seat and almost killed me!

And gears. I've never ridden a bike with gears. Yes, I know, lame.

How do you transport a bike? I have an SUV and people mention taking the front tire off so the bike will fit in the back, but how hard is that? Is it an ordeal every time?

I'm sorry to have so many really basic questions. If you could steer me in the right directions, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you.