Thanks for the info. Someone mentioned avoiding steel rims and handlebars. Why? Also, what about rim types and brands? WRT brakes, most of what I have seen so far have been either Dia Compe or Star. I get the impression that there is a whole series of levels of brake quality within a brand. I am looking for something that would be considered reliable, of decent quality, and will handle someone of my (present ) large size, to get me going. Unfortunately, right now budget constraints will keep me looking in the older used categories. Thanks again for your help.