I have been hanging around for a couple of weeks and getting a lot of good information from these forums. I really appreciate the openness and friendly reception I have received.

Here is my rant: When Santa delivers my first bicycle in over fifty years on Christmas morning the weather is going downhill. My area is supposed to have chilling rain or perhaps even snow! I don't think I need to try to ride in the wet yet....if ever. So ends the rant.

Now for a couple of simple (minded) questions. Back when I rode bicycles as a child we had a chain-guard to keep our pants out of the chain. Nothing like that on my new bicycle (Specialized Expedition Sport) and since it is going to be cool/cold (see rant above) even after the rain/snow moves through the area, is there much danger of catching long pants in the chain? Should I use some sort of clip on them? (I wear cargo pants or jeans most of the time when I'm not in cargo shorts).

Braking question: When I took this bike for a test drive around the LBS parking lot I noticed that the brakes really work. It surprised me how effective they were. Should I apply both brakes at once or rear/front first? Assuming not a panic stop, of course.

And for the California people: Have seen the letters GMR several times. I have my suspicions about what they mean but could you enlighten this old Texian who moved back home to Texas from CA in '66?

Thanks for your patience.