Forget those best of lists IMHO. As long as you stay with a reasonable recent bike from one of the major brands, you should be fine. This of course assuming bike is right size and good condition. Cant say I recommend it for a first bike, but if you have an average, meaning average proportions for your height, then using one of the online fit calculators, then buying from Bikes Direct might be worth considering. Again, dont rec for a first bike, but might be workable with a freinds help, or enough homework.