Don't forget, we all were beginners once too and did find out these same thingsourselves over time. Most of us were lucky enough to learn to ride with experienced dads, brothers, friends, etc. and probably when we were 6 or 7. My wife rode her first derailleur bike with me many years ago and I remember that it probably was a good thing she rode a lot with me and was not out there on her own at first figuring these things out. I am pretty sure if she were on her own to figure it out she would have abandoned biking after a few rides, or had the bike back at the bike shop with all sorts of complaints about it.

Evan, I hope you got it figured out and hope you come back to the forum for more help as your experience increases.

Best of luck!