thanks for the replies!!

well i went out today to test drive....and ended up giving up before i got to the last two bike shops because:
-i have found that store employees have no tolerance for newbies, unless they themselves are newbies.
-when i told them my price range ($500) they practically laughed me out of the store.

BUT at this one place where the girl helping me was a newbie too, she was real nice and let me test drive a bike i could not possibly afford and told me i need a 51 to 52 inch. she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right? i'm considering buying online now ( ) just so i can afford it, and then spend the money to have it adjusted. i also need $ left over so i can get all the crap i need. (hence the low budget) ive got only 700 to blow on this little endeavor of mine. is this impossible? am i just being naive?