Hello: Total bicycle newbie here, not sure I'm in the right place

[PoliticAverse]

3. Yes they'll have a patch kit (glueless ones are fast). Make sure you also get 'tire irons'

which is what you use to remove the tire from the wheel when you need to patch it.

If you have bolt on rather than 'quick release' wheels you'll also need to carry a wrench to
be able to remove the wheel.

You can also just carry an extra tube instead of a patch kit, or even just count on the
cell phone and a friend to bail you out in case of a flat.

Heh, I know that the wicker basket on the front is popular because of the way it looks.
It would be fine for light items like a purse, not so great for heavy groceries.

For a long time I did grocery shopping using 2 of these which hook on a rear rack:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_170997_-1

Some people prefer these:
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Bicycle-Basket-12-75/dp/B0012DZEBY

There's also a one piece (no separate rack needed) non-foldable version:
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-520-Bicycle-Carrier-Basket/dp/B001EL7P34

I eventually switched to pulling a cargo trailer.