Hello everyone, newbie question here:

I'm 41, way out of shape and I've been riding my new sirrus for about 2 and a half months now, I'm riding only about 16 miles or so per ride and from what I can tell averaging about 14mph or so (I know this is really lame, I've seen plenty of riders crusing right by me). I just ride in regular clothes and currently use the toe clips that came with the bike. I do use a helment and gloves (gloves were a necessity with a flat bar road bike) my next goal is to do 20 miles per ride.

Some general questions here,

1. I am still way below the point of getting any benefit from going to clipless pedals?

2. If so, when is it suggested to go to clipless?

3. When does one begin wearing bike shorts, are these really just benefical for people who do long rides? (probably a funny/stupid question, but it never hurts to ask)

Thanks for any inputs...