Lots of great advice here. Actually, I'm not new to biking. There was a 10-15 year period where I didn't do much of it. For the past 8 years though, I've logged over 1200 miles a year on the road. The technology has advanced from the days of friction shifting (I missed that transition) and my new road bike (2008 Seven Axion Steel) has the modern combined shifting/braking system. It sure makes you appreciate how professional racers in the past were able to compete in their sport.
TSapp