Thanks! You all have given me some good ideas. I'm in my research phase right now; I'm going to take my time and try to make a good, informed choice.

There aren't any bike shops in my county, but I'm just south of the Raleigh/Durham area, where there are several. So my next steo is to try to decide which one will work best for me.

Again, thanks. I appreciate your patience with a newbie.