I don't know these specific models, but a suspension adds weight and complexity. Get a bike with good wheels and relatively wide tires. In that regard, the 700x35 will be able to carry your weight at a decent pressure (i.e. 70-90 psi) so you won't feel every little crack of the road.

Unless you are doing stunts – bike jumps and the like – the only weak point in a bike are the wheels. Make sure the wheels are properly tensioned (ping the spokes). Just before the 30-day "free" tune up, spin your wheels and check for trueness and roundness, and make sure they correct the problem if wheels aren't true. Then you should be OK.

[quote]Accessories: The bike shop will give me 10% off accessories at the time of bicycle purchase; is it worthwhile to pay their prices for equipment, or can I just order some of the stuff online?...

Unless you know what you want and how to install it, the bike shop is better. And except for expensive items or special deals, online orders are not that cheap once you add the shipping charges. I don't know where you live, but another possibility would be to buy some accessories at a cheaper store like REI (in U.S.) or MEC (in Canada).


All helmets must respect the same standards, but more expensive helmets usually have better air flow. I think the $60 helmets (Montréal prices) have significantly better air flow than the $20 helmets, but above that price, there are no real gains, for me. Another very important issue is comfort. All heads aren't shaped equally and a helmet that fits me comfortably might not fit you as well. So buy your helmet at your bike shop or even in a large surface, but make sure you try it first!



I have a Cateye Enduro 2 (now Enduro 8): two wheel diametres, two trip distances, speed, average speed, time, but no cadence or other stuff like that.
Especially with a dark frame, I prefer a wired computer because :
– it means just one long-lasting battery in the computer (and no transmitter with batteries);
– it's half the price of a wireless computer.
It's very easy to tuck the wire neatly behind the fork, then along the front brake housing. On bikes with v-brakes or sidepull brakes, the wire is almost invisible.


Depending on where and when you want to ride, I would suggest a few that haven't been suggested yet:

– Hard-sole shoes. Even with regular pedals, avoid riding with sneakers or similar soft-soled shoes. No need for bike-specific shoes, although if you get bitten by the cycling bug, clipless pedals and shoes (SPD, for example) will be good. Wait 6-12 months before going that way, though.

– Fenders. Unless you ride in perfect weather, you'll hit puddles, a bit of mud, dust... And during or after a shower, you will ride in water. Fenders are a good way to avoid a filthy rider and a dirty bike. If you are NOT mechanically inclined, have them installed by the bike shop. Otherwise install them yourself (installation time : 1.5-2 hours).

– Lights. Get a headlight and a taillight if you ride at night.