Have a break at work, maybe i can get a few details and comments in.

Fixie isn't my cup of tea, I don't believe. I like being able to shift. No-hills is not an option in this area

I have one friend who has assembled a bike (the same bike I mentioned that I currently ride in my original post) and also I know my dad knows an avid biker who has most definitely put together several bikes. I'm not sure how close they are now, but I might be able to work something out there.

Cumberland is 2.5hrs away from Wheeling. There is one LBS, a small one, only a few minutes from my house, so I will start there. Cumberland will be a bit closer once I'm in PA.

I feel like I could handle the assembling of the bike. It's not that I've never worked with tools whatsoever, just haven't worked on bikes. And I don't know what all is involved, so I guess that assessment of myself isn't worth much. I guess I don't want to mess something up. This is a big investment for me, heh. Will probably go after work to see what my LBS has to offer.