Holy. Moly.

All of your posts were super helpful! Thanks!

So I've read through all of them (and made notes) and have some follow-ups:

1. I've been to approximately 320392408029 LBSs. It really helps me to learn what to look for, but I find it's hard to make my own opinions when I don't know enough about it. You obviously all have your own opinions, but by asking in the forum, I can read them all at once and use them to learn, as opposed to being in a LBS with one guy telling me his one opinion.

2. Drop bars: I've never ridden a bike with them. When I test ride bikes with them I feel a bit awkward, which goes against the 'does the bike FEEL right' question. But it's not the bike so much as my inexperience. I don't want to go with flat bars because that's what I'm used to and regret it because I'll feel like they'll hold me back. Advice?

3. Building your own. This totally interests me. But is it too much to take on as a total noob? Also, does the finished product really come in under the price of just buying a complete?

4. What the heck is this triple talk?

5. In answer to one of your questions, I don't plan on doing any heavy duty weekend camping trips.

6. Bad weather: I figure there will be times when I'm stuck riding in bad weather for sure. Like if it looks nice so I ride in and then it turns to rain when it's time to ride home... should this = disc brakes?

7. Used bikes: One of you suggested getting a used bike and upgrading it and adding stuff. I've looked on Kijiji (Ottawa) and I'm not sure how to tell if a bike is worth upgrading or if it's just junk. Is there brands I should look for?

Ok... That's it for now. Thanks again so much to all of you, it is crazy helpful!