If you could give a newbie one bit of advice it would be...

[Pat "5mph"]

Get to be confident on how to change a flat tyre: watch you tube videos, ask for a demonstration in your lbs (local bike shop), practice at home.
No need to wait to actually have a flat: this skill will serve you well on the road.
Make sure you always carry the kit you need: basic tools, spare inner tube suitable for your bike, pump you have practiced on. Not all mini pumps are equal!

 

[Profpointy]

1 don't ride in the gutter - 1m out, and middle of the lane if there's a pinch point where you'll get squeezed.
Especially important for avoiding being left-hooked.
Related to this is it is sometimes (perhaps usually) safer on the road than on a cycle lane.

2 Spin the pedals fairly fast in lower gear than you'd think, rather than grunt up hills.

3 if you get sore arse - brooks leather saddle (though wont suit everyone). Good saddle makes more difference than special shorts. And good saddle will NOT be padded, brooks or otherwise - though not all unpadded saddles are good unfortunately.

4 mudguards are a good thing

5 panners (or saddlebag) not rucksack

6 carry spare tube, puncture kit, tyre levers, pump, and allen keys / multi tool as long push, or phone call of shame to the mrs is inevitable the alternative.

7 keep tyres pumped up hard (track pump is good) and drop of oil on chain now and again.

As you already have bike, then questions of suspension or not, drop handlebars, toeclips versus spd can wait till you've evaluated what you have already.

 

[ianrauk]

1: Don't go out on the road expecting every other cyclist you pass to give you a cheery wave and hello.
2: Don't get upset and post about it on the forum when another cyclist ignores you.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Get the saddle to the correct height.

+1 for this.

An easy way to get the saddle somewhere near the right height is to set it so that your leg is straight at the bottom of the stroke with the heel on the pedal. When the ball of the foot is put on the pedal the knee will then have roughly the right amount of bend in it and the height can be fine tuned to suit from there.

 

[Ozzrahog]

Just get out on it and enjoy

 

[slowmotion]

When you see someone walking their bike with a flat, seriously consider parting with your spare tube and giving them stern instructions to do likewise when the karma comes around.

....and............ exhale......

 

[RWright]

stick with it.

 

[mustang1]

Forget targets, just enjoy your ride.

To that effect, remove any bike computers, harm etc.

 

[Nick Stone]

Follow your front wheel, you never know where it could take you.....

Always carry an ICE number with you (hopefully you'll never need it)
A drink, liquid thirst replenisherrrrrr
And a camera for the smug shots on top of that big hill you've just conquered

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Get the saddle to the correct height.

Join Strava

Yeah, that's two but I'm feeling generous!

This is really bad advice if you want a life away from cycling.

 

[Maylian]

Enjoy being on the bike, the weather, the view. Remember that change / fitness will come with time so don't expect instantaneous results.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

4 mudguards are a good thing

5 panners (or saddlebag) not rucksack

.

These, the first keeps you dryer, the 2nd a better centre of gravity, and a less sweaty back in warmer weather.

 

[ayceejay]

If you can find a ride through some nice countryside with overhanging trees and birds chirping perhaps with water nearby go that way rather than the road.

 

[MaxInc]

Get comfortable.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Follow The Rules, lest the Velominati send someone around to cause you grievous bodily harm .