If you are 6'2" 29 years old and 235 and in ok shape physical shape but out of shape from not doing much and I'm assuming a non smoker. You should be able to get on a modern bike and do 10 miles at 10 MPH without any problem at all on level ground. Your conditioning will improve much faster than you think but don’t count on a lot of weight loss without restricting intake. What I found when getting back into riding at 50 years old was the ride gave me an appetite. These forums are great places to read and feel a part of what others are doing and will keep your interest up in riding. Select gears that let you spin freely and have a moderate ride to work and if you want to push yourself do it on the way home. Most people just want to get to work in the morning and have a time to meet. Return trips you can have several routes to mix it up and depending on how you feel take the one that gives the workout you might want to try. Time returning isn't much of a issue so if you need a rest take it.
You will have no problem doing what you are asking about!
The questions about what kind of bike to buy are very good ones and something to think about. I see quite often LBS lead people down the path of what they want to sell you. Think out what bike and sizing and how its equipped very well, or get a used bike for low cost to get started while you figure out what is right for you.
One other comment for a new rider is (well a few comments) first is wear a helmet $20 walmart is fine get a front light and a rear blinker another $20 at walmart is fine, and if you will be on a multi use path get a $5 bell.
Don’t worry about clip or clip less just get platform peddles for at least a year and get used to riding.
Lastly don’t plan your routes like you were driving your car. Where I live from my house to town is 2 miles on a busy road with a few steep climbs. the roundabout way is about 5 miles and with country roads and slight climb here and there. It never dawned on me to take the long way until I saw a older neighbor coming that way on his bike and we talked about it. It might add a few minutes but the ride is so much safer and fun that way not to mention energy output. And a long downhill coming home is always more fun than a short downhill riding the brakes.
Last edited by bud16415; 10-20-11 at 08:53 AM.