+1 To the Weight and Fit comments!

Hmm as a Different perspective (and only if you can get your head around being unusual) i'd reccomend a folder, it has many benefits. Consider a Downtube Folder (check the Folder Forum for way more info on this machine).

Reasons:

1. Great Bang for Buck/price ($ 289 and $ 389) leaves you cash to put on new components later once you know what you like or if you decide you need even better gear.

2. Small wheels are not slower than bigger ones (unless you ride at speeds that 99% of cyclist never achieve for more than a few seconds) but are stronger and do accelerate faster and climb better. 20 Inch wheels are very abundant and standard and you can get tons of great wheels and tires for them. For more info on all this see my page.

3. If it is all about the act of cycling rather than convention, having a folder that you can take on public transport or stick in the back of a car or even carry on an airplane will mean you will be able to cycle more and in more places/locations.

4. Folding bikes are made to be very adjustable, so unless your build is very unusual you should be able to get a real good fit.

5. The (American) Downtube Company is really awesome and so is it's owner Yan. It is a not for profit venture (that's why his bikes cost $ 289 and $ 389, try getting any other decent/good bike for that kind of cash!) and Yan comes to the boards regular to
give info and listen to what we want.

http://www.downtube.com/catalog/

6. In a way folders are 'easier' to cycle, they tend to have a pretty comfortable more upright riding position, a low centre of gravity and a crazy small turning circle, all factors making the ride easier on the rider.

7. Folders are tons of fun!

Anyways,.. i am probably just speaking to myself unless you are a non-conformist type person. Whatever you choose, have fun!