How long does it take to get fit?

When you are starting out, fitness improves rapidly as long as you stick with it and take things gradually. You may not lose much weight at first, but you will soon be able to go much farther.

You want to start out with an easy 10 min warm up and then pedal at 70-90 rpms in a gear that is easy to spin. You want to ride for distance and don't worry about your speed. You want to build up you cardiovascular system first. You will see pretty good improvements if you ride everyday. Extend the distance a little every few days. You only burn about 35 calories per mile so diet is more important for weight lose. It should never get easier you will just go faster. The more you ride the harder it is to see improvements and the longer and harder you have to ride. I remember having to walk up hills or down shift to go over a small rise. Now I just add a little more and go over that rise and can climb hills I never thought possible.

Spinning in a gear that is easy is easier on you legs but will get your heart rate up. Pedaling in a lower gear and mashing is harder on the legs but will lower your heart rate. You want a balance between the two.

I would get rid of the knobby tires and go with slicks like Kenda Kross, the ride will be much better on hard surfaces..