I'm a 245# guy, trying to be a 190# guy.
Among other lifestyle changes, I bought an inexpensive hybrid/comfort bike a month ago and have been using it 1, 2 miles into town and back every few days.

I want to ride more (although 2 miles still winds me!), and aspire to be able to ride 8 miles to work.
I may be beginning a job as a bike mechanic, chance enough (car mechanic isn't working out), and one of my potential new coworkers is selling an absolutely gorgeous bike with a leather seat and wooden fenders.
I'm a sucker for wood and leather, on aesthetic principles alone.

He wants $350 + my tool box in trade, so not cheap, but not unaffordable.
Should I spring for it?

Do you think in a couple months or so I'll be in shape enough to start riding a more road-oriented bike, a bit faster, a bit further?
As it stands now, I'm afraid purchasing this will sit in storage: I'm unworthy as of yet (and can't yet ride for far, or for long).

AND, can it take my weight!?

I'm looking at a 2011 bianche volpe. Seems to fit me --just a touch high, if anything at all-- and I'm in love with the leather seat and mahogany fenders, which will make me want to ride it. Not a strict pragmatist, I'll admit. I feel guilty that it'd likely sit for a couple months before I begin to use it. And wonder if i can/should justify the expense when I've got my schwinn discover comfort/hybrid that I've been riding!