I know when I started riding a bike again (after about 30 years) that I started out on a mountain bike because my husband thought I wouldn't be able to handle a more narrow tire. Finally I graduated to a SpecializedCrossroads bike. (I was so pround of myself) I loved that bike and still have it. I had put over 5,000 miles on it when I finally retired it and got a custom made bike that was very similar. I rode that bike everywhere I could, even took it to work with me so I could ride it on my lunch hours. I'm sure you will really love a cross bike. Keep us posted as to your rides, and if you can, post some pictures of you and your new bike.