Thanks for all the input so far, I really appreciate it. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, in not really knowing much. I know that I don't want to get a piece of junk, but I don't want to spend tons of money (that I really don't have right now) on something that I may not like too. I do have an idea of what kind of biking I'd like to do though: I'd like to do trail riding (I'm so anxious to start exploring all the wonderful trails around, I've only been able to explore a bit on rollerblades, but you can only get so far on blades, just don't cut it!), but I want to be able to go off road if I need to. Definately not wanting to start hardcore mountain biking, I'm more interested in commuting to places if I can.
That being said, I'm not quite sure what type of bike I'd like. I went into an Erik's the other day, and the guy told me I wouldn't want a road bike, but instead would want a mountain bike with more of a road tire. I'm not really sure what a hybrid is, or if I'd be interested in buying that.
As for the LBS's, I've heard of the hub, and heard that you could get used bikes, there, but I was warned that I could buy a bike that needs work, etc, so to be careful. I also know that I need to get a bike that fits me, but don't really want to pay an extra $100 for that (at least that's what I've seen the fittings to be posted as on the forums I've visited). I know it's important though.
So I'm still confused and rather intimidated. It seems to be an involved process to do it right, but I know it's DEFINATELY worth it!!
Any other advice? Keep it coming
THANKS!