Wow, thanks for all the thoughts and help. Ronsonic-your post is tremendously helpful for when I go to look at the bikes. I appreciate you giving me a couple of model to look at, and for the tips on how to inspect the bikes. Reverborama-I am concerned about my size and weight being an issue, and appreciate your thoughts and assurance on the 'big man' issues.

I am glad to have found this forum, as it has been immensely helpful and filled with good people. I'm only 35, but I have a very bad knee caused by a terrible infection following ACL replacement. I have been running, but it can be very brutal on the knee. I have taken spinning classes for nearly 3 years, and post-surgery my knee feels best when on a spin bike. Although the outdoor biking won't be even similar to the controled spin bike, it still seems like the natural progression for me.

Incidentally, I got a small bonus from work and have moved the bike budget up to $350. I don't think I *have* to spend it all, but the extra leeway should be helpful.

Again, thanks so much for the help!

Alex