couple of hints, in no particular order, which a so-called beginner might not be aware of....
You don't need or want suspension for cycling on road or even smoothish tracks (towpaths etc). Suspension is "a bad thing" unless actually mountain biking.
Likewise - smooth tyres for the road - easier to pedal, and grip is down to rubber compound not tread. Tread is to prevent aquaplaning in the wet, which is physically impossible on a push-bike.
Saddle - padded saddles are "a bad thing" and not the answer to comfort. A saddle that suits you is the answer (tricky to find for some. I favour Brooks leather saddles, but they don't suit everyone). Padded shorts, whilst generally "a good thing" are not essential and emphatically not the answer to a bad saddle.
Don't dismiss drop handlebars as "being only for racers" or somesuch -the have lots of benefits for nearly anyone - choice of hand positions, ducking down if there's a headwind, etc.
Most "road" bikes are geared rather high for many people, dare I say for most people. Bike shops push a "compact double" saying it's just as low-geared as a triple - this isn't strictly true. This last point is somewhat controversial, but many want lower gears, few want them higher than they've got - more or less important depending on how hilly your area is.
Mudguards are "a good thing" . Apparently mudguards are "not cool", whereas a strip of much up your back from your arse to the top of your head looking like an attack of explosive dysentery is perfectly OK.
If carrying stuff on the bike, it's a lot easier in a saddlebag or panniers than on your back.
And perhaps most important "beginner" hint is don't ride in the gutter - ie stay out best part of a metre from the curb and be prepared to ride in the middle of the lane if there's a pinch point or if turning right at a roundabout. Make the cars go round you properly rather than get squeezed. In the jargon the talk is "primary" and "secondary" position.
