Good advice and pointers once again,
the bicycle book sounds like a good idea! Someone else recently recommedned another one called The Haynes Bicycle Book by Bob Henderson. I definitely should check out some reading material to learn about the hypercracker and spoke wrench thingies. Useful stuff to know.
Looks like I'm heading there (bike place) tomorrow!
I'll go with taking cash with me then.
--read a thread somehwere around here that said suspension bikes on the road are bad?? This only has front suspension...
i don't think thats a negative? (last minute checks again)
By this time tomorrow I will be riding my new bike
*Has anyone ever ridden their new bike home from the store?
It's just that I don't have a car and will be taking the bus somewhat far out...so really i'm buying it for riding right?

Peace, Emma

ps~ To the Flying Scot~ i am envious of you (in the best way)
Scotland? Lucky! I was in Bath, Eng. a few summers ago but
never made it up to Scotland. You even get to see
"Maccullum" (if you want) (i'm a John Hannah fan)