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[Sir Finkus]

It's a bell, you just suck at bells. Use your thumb to pull the black plastic thing down, then slide your thumb off the black plastic thing. It will spring back into place, and strike the metal bit with enough force and quickly enough to make a ringing sound.

Doh, guess I should probably start wearing the helmet even when I'm not riding.

[Max White]

It could be worse. I have had to explain what the tire valve was in the past, and why getting a puncture doesn't matter if it doesn't go through your inner tube. Some people really suck at bikes.

[Sir Finkus]

It could be worse. I have had to explain what the tire valve was in the past, and why getting a puncture doesn't matter if it doesn't go through your inner tube. Some people really suck at bikes.

Well I did just spend 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get the chain off the mount, then another 5 trying to figure out where to put the key, so I'm still kind of "special".

[Max White]

God help you should your chain ever come off.

[Sir Finkus]

God help you should your chain ever come off.

Oh god the chains come off?

In my defense, the mount has a little lever thing on it that was a complete red herring, and the keyhole REALLY looks like a flathead screw.

[Max White]

Yes, there is a chance that one day your bike chain may come off, especially if your not used to using the gears (Protip: Stop pedalling, change gears, then push the pedals again to get it into gear, all without stopping. This will cause you to sharpen the teeth less, something you don't want.) and nothing sucks more then being on the side of the road with a bike you don't know how to fix.

When you do need to take your chain off, or put it back on, notice the little set of wheels at the back that bring the chain down. They are spring loaded and you can push them up. They are to keep tension on the chain. When you want to do something with the chain, push those up, towards your back wheel axle, and it will loosen the chain to take off/put on.

That one has been known to get people when they first start riding.

[Sir Finkus]

Yes, there is a chance that one day your bike chain may come off, especially if your not used to using the gears (Protip: Stop pedalling, change gears, then push the pedals again to get it into gear, all without stopping. This will cause you to sharpen the teeth less, something you don't want.) and nothing sucks more then being on the side of the road with a bike you don't know how to fix.

When you do need to take your chain off, or put it back on, notice the little set of wheels at the back that bring the chain down. They are spring loaded and you can push them up. They are to keep tension on the chain. When you want to do something with the chain, push those up, towards your back wheel axle, and it will loosen the chain to take off/put on.

That one has been known to get people when they first start riding.

I was being a bit sarcastic, but thanks for the advice anyway.  I rode bikes as a kid and I've put the chain on a few times.  The shifting advice is helpful because I was noticing some shifts were "harsher" than others and I was unsure why, I'm guessing the pedaling while shifting is the likely culprit.

[Nilocy]

Questions:
What kind of bike should I be looking for and how much will I be spending?  What other equipment will I need (helmet is obvious)?
I'd suggest going for a mountain bike or some kind of hybrid. Mountain bikes, defined by their sturdyness and generally being a lot heavier than their road counterparts, last a lot longer I've found than a road bike. Go for a road bike if you never intend to go anywhere but urban/roaded areas. For other items you need, a lock. D-locks are my personal choice, chains are good too. Lights, both rear and front. Hi-vis jacket if you're cycling during the dark either way.

How long would 6 miles take to bike? 
Flat I'd say about 30/40minutes, really depends on the weather. A rule of thumb is that a bike is about 3 times faster than walking, so just scale down the times.

How difficult would a 6 mile bike ride be physically?
It gets easier every time you do that, really depends on how fit you are.
Legally, what do I need to know? 
Not sure about Americas laws.

Oh oh oh, also always try to get in a gear where you're keeping a set level of exercision. It'll take a while to get used to it, but its worth while.

[Sir Finkus]

Questions:
What kind of bike should I be looking for and how much will I be spending?  What other equipment will I need (helmet is obvious)?
I'd suggest going for a mountain bike or some kind of hybrid. Mountain bikes, defined by their sturdyness and generally being a lot heavier than their road counterparts, last a lot longer I've found than a road bike. Go for a road bike if you never intend to go anywhere but urban/roaded areas. For other items you need, a lock. D-locks are my personal choice, chains are good too. Lights, both rear and front. Hi-vis jacket if you're cycling during the dark either way.

How long would 6 miles take to bike? 
Flat I'd say about 30/40minutes, really depends on the weather. A rule of thumb is that a bike is about 3 times faster than walking, so just scale down the times.

How difficult would a 6 mile bike ride be physically?
It gets easier every time you do that, really depends on how fit you are.
Legally, what do I need to know? 
Not sure about Americas laws.

Oh oh oh, also always try to get in a gear where you're keeping a set level of exercision. It'll take a while to get used to it, but its worth while.

Too late, new bike is now sitting outside my bedroom door.  Pics on the last page.

[Africa]

Nice. You can't really go wrong with a Trek, it should last you.

Your chain WILL come off at some point so you should learn how to put it back on. It's not really that hard. Other things that WILL happen: Flat tires (so learn to replace a tube/patch a tube and have the necessary tools on you whenever you ride), brakes need adjustment (so learn to adjust them and have the needed tools) and chain will need to be cleaned. None of these things are really hard and you need only a couple tools around for them. I'd say whenever there's a big problem, take it to the shop, but learn how to fix that problem while you're at it. Eventually you'll know everything.

[Sir Finkus]

Woohoo, rode 17 miles today completely by accident.  Riding through town is actually pretty easy.  All I need now is a backpack and maybe some fenders.  Thanks for all the help.  I'll probably do some more "scouting" tomorrow, then start commuting daily.