I just feel so dumb and lost...the more I "learn", the dumber I feel. I don't know any of you (yet) so I'm going to just ignore that dumb feeling and ask away.

What are the biggest differences between a "commuter" bike and a "touring" bike? I have a general understand of the differences between a road bike and a mountain bike, but those other two I don't know yet.

I am riding a hybrid, but have started thinking about getting road bike probably in about 1.5 years, after my Jeep is paid off and I have that extra money to save for a new bike. I don't know even where to begin in the hunt for the perfect bike. I don't even know what size frame I need, or how to measure myself to find out.

I've always ridden wearing running shoes, but a spin class instructor told me last winter that running shoes are the worst kind of shoe to ride in because the soles are so flexible. That I should ride in a shoe with a firm, not-so-bendy sole. I've never ridden a bike that had the things on the pedals that cover the front part of your foot (see, dumb. I don't even know what to call the various pieces and parts of a bike.) or the kind of pedals that cycling shoes fit onto. Just a regular pedal is what my bike has. So should I change the kind of shoes I'm wearing? And for what purpose? What is the reason for wearing firm-soled shoes?

I'm sure I'll have more dumb questions in the coming weeks, so hold some of your laughter for those. LOL (gah, I'm dying of embarassment here!)