Originally Posted by
exile
When shopping for a bike the most important thing is fit. The second most important thing is your willingness to ride it. The first part your LBS will be able to help you out on. The second part is all on you.
Yup. That is really really really true.
Another thing to be aware of is fit changes as you get stronger.
Usually the first components on a bike to wear out are the brake pads and the chain. Making it a goal to wear those out is a pretty good start on the habit of biking.