Thanks for the great replies...much appreciated!
I had already run across the price estimating tool and the bike that I'm considering falls well within the parameters that come up when I use the tool to evaluate it, which I take as a good first sign...
The list of considerations that you guys provided will give me a great start as I look into it further...will keep you posted!
Sheldon - I live right up the Monon Trail from the Art Center...small world!