Take reviewers' opinions with a grain of salt, though. Friends who ride are your best bet for info. I've never been able to keep one mag review straight from another. Plus, a friend may have a spare old bike he'd let go cheap just for the chance to see you try and learn to ride it. One's that appear to work and be accurate.
Magazines sometimes give sensible advice but then contradict themselves within the same year.
Be discriminating and selective. Evaluate the accuracy of information and survey better sources when it's time for an important decision. I don't have any particular brand that I would push. I will say, don't spend tons of money. I know of people that wear gloves from the hardware store and hockey kneepads and are perfectly happy.