Judy,

I am a beginner, too. I got back to biking via my commute and wanted something that fit, something that was a ROAD BIKE, and something that wouldn't get stolen. I managed to find a 1977 Columbia Blaze at a LBS that refurbishes bikes. I put almost a couple hundred miles on it, started to ride pretty seriously, and was told that I have a lot of potential to do more if I just work at it and get a better bike. Mine is 10 years older than me and weighs a ton!

I just bought an entry-level WSD trek and am keeping my old bike for my commute. I never want to park a nice bike on campus (I'm a grad student), but I decided I want to do centuries and the like, so I need a bike that is easier on my hands and knees.