[khandelwal]

Gadgets: Buy a u-lock (harder to cut) rather than a chain, wire or some other configuration. Buy a cycle computer (shows you your speed, distance for your ride, etc) - the feedback is great. You'll know when you're pedaling slower than usual and also can keep track of how far you've been riding. Last of all, buy a pump for the tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps a lot.

Contrary to what has been suggested before, I would buy the lightest bike you can in your budget. A lighter bike will reduce the agony when you don't want to push yourself; and when you do want to push yourself, just go faster.

[Rhodee]

Great feedback. I definitely am going to consider buying a cycle computer. Do you have any recommendations? I wonder if any services exist to transmit my stats? Say how many miles I do in a day or other riders. It could be a game.

[khandelwal]

No recommendations. Although buy a wireless one. I have an old, simple one from Cateye that works like a charm.