Hello -
I'm new to the forum and have been reading a little bit over the past few days.
I've been an off-and-on runner for a few years, but haven't ridden bicycles much since I was a kid.
I'm considering getting into it again - mostly for the fun/exercise, and possibly for commuting.
The area where I ride has some slabs, some country roads , some dirt trails through forests and lots and lots of asphalt hike/bike trails.

My financial circumstances/goals restrict my spending ability to something in the $5-600 range

The bike I'm looking at so far is this one:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
(yes, I realize that's a little out of my range - I'll save a little longer if I must)

I've heard some very good arguments from cyclists I know about the benefits of utilizing a local bike shop. My biggest concern with that is that I may move and I'm not sure for how long I would be able to benefit from having "paid" for that relationship. If I was going to definitely be near one for a while I would probably lean that way. My additional concern with that idea is that there are just no shops in my area that offer anything in my price range unless it has only bottom-shelf components. These opinions have been formed with a novice's level of understanding of modern bikes, though - so I'm very open to being corrected about any of it.

I was hoping to solicit ideas, comments and feedback from any who were interested in posting them for product I have linked above. Negative feedback is welcome, too.

Thanks