Originally posted by nemo
Here's my 2 cents: for the money you are wanting to spend i bought a trek 7100 and i love it!
Somebody warned you your question could lead to a lot of confusing answers.
I bought a Trek 7200--like the 7100 but with a suspension fork. I started riding it ten months and forty some odd pounds ago. Since I bought it I've added clipless pedals, bar ends, and a cyclo computer. Be careful, you could become addicted.
Look around at bikes in your price range. Test ride them. Buy the one you like the best. Ride it as often as you can.