nbac, you are absolutely on the right track. If you make the ride as easy and enjoyable and uncomplicated as possible- you are MUCH more likely to keep it up every day.

To muddy the waters about gearing- keep in mind that double/triple/whatever does not imply gear range, only increments within a given range. Here's 2 of my bikes: a Trek 1600 roadie which goes from a high of 110 gear inches (the number of inches you go forward from one rotation of your pedal) to a low of 32 gear inches. It has a triple in front and a 10-speed cluster in the rear, so, a range of 78 inches in 30 gearing options. My Kogswell is basically a single 44 tooth front ring and a 9-speed in the rear. It goes from 107 to 34. Almost the same range, BUT in only 9 steps. The increments between gears is much larger.

Is more gears better? Not necessarily. I find I'm having to "shift through" many gears on the Trek as I crest a hill. Then again, more gears allows you to "dial in" on the perfect gear if the wind picks up a little bit. Most importantly is for you to have a gear range (whether it be 9 or 30 increments) that allows you a level of comfort when climbing and descending. I like lower gearing ranges and believe in the physics that after 30 mph you are better off getting into an aerodynamic tuck and coasting rather than mashing the pedals in a big gear.

Then again, if you can push the big gears (read: NoRacer) then you by all means, should.

What part of MD you from?