[RSBob]

I mean this kindly, but do you have an engineering background or wish you did?

The absolute best way to learn cycling is to buy a couple of books on it from a beginners perspective and then go ride with a patient experienced cyclist requesting that they instruct you on proper gearing, braking (front brake compared to rear %) bike control, riding with cars, hazards (like railroad tracks) ascending and descending, how to take a fall and not get hurt(much), hydration and nutrition and very importantly which tools to carry/how to change and repair a flat. If you can’t change a flat and you miles out with your wife, you’re skrewed.