Ressurection of this thread for a good cause. After much thought, I took a jaunt down to the not-so-local bike shop, and returned from my lunch hour with a new ride. This is mostly for fitness and recreation, but for the price, I could not pass it up. It is ten times better than my six year old Mongoose, and I could immediately tell a difference from the test ride after the shop correctly fitted me to the frame. My Mongoose was a 17.5" frame w/ 26" wheels bought from a big retailer. This is a 20" frame with 700c wheels, and I can't believe how much more enjoyable and easier it is to ride than my old clunker. Thanks to everyone (Especially East Hill) for all the tips, and wisdom passed to a bicycle newb.
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1310000&f=27