Thanks so much for all the great advice. I think I'm going to keep riding the Schwinn Voyageur for now (trying to think of it as a "calorie burner" rather than a "heavy beast"), get some more riding time in and test ride as many bikes as possible. I'm setting a goal of increasing my frequency, distance and general fitness and flexibility. By the time I reach my goal, I should be in a little better shape and hope to have ridden enough different bikes (and handlebars) to really know what feels good.

On test rides this week, one thing that really surprised me is the different feel with various tire widths and knobbiness. I rode a fuji with 28mm tires with less tread and it felt so easy and smooth, but when I hit some loose rock on a curve riding my own bike yesterday I was glad it has the knobbier 38's.

BTW, I have learned that a trip to the bike store to take test rides can be a really fun and free afternoon date - if you remember to leave your wallet at home. Why is there always some thing that you "need" there?