Well, it turns out I didn't do quite the amazing job of putting my bicycle together that I thought 🙂
My first ride lasted less than a mile. I quickly realized the seat was too low, the brakes were too lose and, while the 'rear derailer' did a great job of shifting the front derailer sucked. It completely locked up and I couldn't ride without the chain hitting itself.
Anyway, I'm trying my best to play with it; this is all new to me. The seat adjustment was not a problem, nor was tightening the front brake; but the rear brake is 'uneven'. The left pad is much closer to the wheel than the right one. I'm not too sure how to fix that.
The front derailer is giving me even more trouble though. I'm guessing I need to use my shifter and go to the gear that gives the most slack and position the wire and the derailer in the 'perfect' position so that each shift moves it into the correct spot for the chain to move?
At this point, I'll probably just take it in to the LBS and pay $30 dollars to have them do this (and show me how if I can talk them into it); or drag it to work and have some co-workers help; but if anyone has some advice or a site that might help me with the derailer I'd appreciate it.