If you haven't already bought a bike, my suggestion for beginners is always to find a good local bike shop and test ride whatever looks interesting. There's a number of reasons for that recommendation. First, you'll get a well built bike that should be assembled well. The shop staff can help you pick out something appropriate for your intended use. If you have problems (hey, stuff does wear out!), the bike shop can help you get back on the road. Finally, and I've experienced this, some bikes look really great on a web page, and they just don't feel right when you ride them.


If you don't like that direction, follow the normal internet forum advice: buy a bike like mine.