nOOb in nEEd!

[Diggles]

Hi Ladies! As the title suggests...I am a noob in need. I posted on a local forum but after a month of waiting on a helpful response, I have given up hope.

Here is what I posted there:
Ok, I'm new to this. I've barely done any cycling except when I broke my ankle & wasn't able to run...feeling like a lazy slob I borrowed a friends road bike for a bit. Fun...I admit!
I'd like to get something fairly cheap just so if I hate it, I haven't wasted a ton of money. I'm thinking the 200-300 range. According to my local bike shop I need a 15. I'm 5'7" & 135lbs.

I've done a bit of snooping around here & you ladies seem so sweet & helpful. I've been wanting to get into cycling for a number of reasons...1 being the price of gas...and 2 being that running is really starting to hurt my knees & ankles. I just can't get my mileage in like I used to be able to. Gettin old & all.

Hope to get to know some of you...
D

Afterthought:
I hope it was ok to post here looking for a used bike? I apologize if it's inappropriate. I would really love suggestions for a decent, cheap starter bike...I can look elsewhere for the actual bike!