Originally Posted by
ShallowJam
Is dual suspension actually inefficient, or is that just a hunch I have? Is it worth getting a bigger bike because I am bigger?
If your bike is not the right size for you, nothing else really matters. So yes get a bike that fits.
What type of bike should I be looking at for my needs? Hybrid?
Well if you're riding dirt and pavement a hybrid is a logical choice. I do however use an old 27" wheel bike on dirt and gravel roads around where I live.
Are there other kinds of brake systems, other than vbrake and disc? What kind of tire suits what I need?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake There are tons of different kinds of brakes for bikes.
What about storage options for my books/groceries?
How much do you need to carry?