Bsyptak,
Thanks for taking the time to give such a well written and informative response. Buying a bicycle has posed the most difficult decision I have had to make in a long time. In my prime, you went into a LBS, and simply chose the color you liked best. Now the choices and options are overwhelming.
I am still not sure what to buy; It will either be a mountain bike with slicks or a speed bike. It seems there are compromises with every choice. The mointain bikes I am looking at all have front shocks (negative) and the speed bikes have smaller tires and don't seem as rugged and maneuverable as the mountain bikes (should I ever get the opportunity to take it off road or encounter rough terrain).
Again, thanks to all for all of the informative posts on this site. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.