Very interesting posts! All I can say is, "BIG WHEEL"!!!!

It's economical and a classic...might I also say, VERY inexpensive!

Actually, I ended up with a MTB on my quest for a bike the first time out. I've modified it quite a bit--added skinny tires and a rear rack. I agree with Mike...if you can get a inexpensive road bike to do some riding or running errands, that'll be cool too! I'm going to start looking for something like that in the fall...my MTB is sort of heavy...but not too heavy.