I agree 500% with bjjoondo. Your LocalBikeShop is your best friend. Tell them what you're going to be doing and ask them for help and advice. Remember New and Light are not always better. My most comfortable bike is a '93 Bridgestone RB1. It's a steele road bike. They may have something used, or can direct you a used build, which you'd do with them from an older frame. Also there is a "Want to Buy" forum down at the bottom of the BikeForums main page. Welcome to the world of cycling. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Good Luck.