Originally posted by Hunter
As far as model of bike, well go to a bike shop, not a department store and tell them what YOU need. Do not accept what THEY want you to have.
Yes, don't miss this advice, I found out the hard way on this one. I told the guy at the bike shop I was going to be commuting to work on my bike. Since he was strictly an off-road guy, he talked me into a mountain bike because he really thought it was best. A year later, I bought a bike designed for road use, and I like it a lot better!
But the local bike store person is usually a good gal or guy who will help you. Just keep Hunter's advice under your hat so you won't be buying a second bike next year! Maybe the best thing is to get another cyclist to go
with you to help you buy your first bike.