Originally Posted by
Chuck007
I believe everyone who said it will be a big learning curve and probably uncomfortable to jump right on a road bike and this seems like a better start.
the biggest advantage to having a road bike is speed, the negatives are less comfort/harsher ride and they're not really meant for hard riding (like hitting potholes). you're looking for exercise and recreation, go with something more suited to that.
does your shop carry gary fisher bikes?