After much deliberation i think I am going the mountain bike route for my style of riding. A nice light xc bike like this one http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...know.htm#specs never heard of this brand but the specs are shure good, needs a lock out fork and some semi slicks and a way we go

I was also considering the Gary Fisher Montare http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/montare or a Bad boy Ultra (caffeine)(26pounds)

and oh ya, my grama can shift a stick and a derailer