And that is the best course to follow. It's different for everyone. So ride lots, and pay attention to yourself (and the road of course). You'll figure out what you want and need.

It took me 1,500 miles on my first bike to figure out that I really wanted a road bike. It took 3,000 miles on that first road bike (the used Trek for $100) to figure out what I wanted in an everyday commuter. I've got just shy of 10,000 miles on that bike and wouldn't change a thing--and it's a bike that initially, I didn't think would be right for me. I'm glad I took my time and learned before committing to big bucks.