Thank you for the pro tips, seriously. I would have forked out a bunch of money for stuff YOU guys liked instead of learning my own preferences. I love everything you guys have said. To be perfectly honest I was a little hesitant to post this because you guys (the regulars) are definitely harsh on people who ask stupid questions and don't do research (which I can understand...I actually quite like it as long as I manage to dodge the trollin directly.)

I think the best bet for me is either a) a mid-range complete (500-1000$ range) or b) a convert which I build up and eventually move to a track frame in the future.

To be honest, I'd prefer b) for the sake of customization but I don't feel like I know enough to do it by myself and the LBS near me is so inflated its disgusting. Also, converting would be a lot more intimate and I would learn a lot more about the bike then if I was to just buy a complete and slowly upgrade it.

Ugh, decisions decisions. The other problem is I am impatient and hate checking craigslist on the daily (sifting through the bull**** and cheap-o bikes is getting old and I don't REALLY know what to look for exactly yet) and I am just ready to ride!! I have 3 bikes to ride right now, a mtn bike, a road bike and a cruiser but all are geared and fitted for my dad and not my style.