Tree -- It seems to me the shops should be discounting 2006 models soon to make way for their '07's. Keep an eye out for sales. You might be able to get a better bike for lesser money.

I know what it's like to not have the money -- everyone says you must spend at least several hundred dollars (if not more) to get a bike that barely passes inspection. (I ride in a group, and I'm hearing the same thing from them -- got to spend at least $1,000, $1,200, $1,500 -- come on! Easy for some people to say! I don't have that kind of money either!) Get what you can afford, even if it is a $500 bike. As time goes by and you have a little money here and a little money there, you can upgrade parts to make the bike better. Three years from now, you'll be riding so well you'll need a better bike, and you'll have more money to spend.

Just do yourself a favor and don't buy a bike from Toys R Us, Sports Authority, etc. Go to a bike shop. Ask if there is a woman you can speak with. Instead of joking and making light of being a newbie, tell them you are new at this and want to learn! Ask questions -- show me the deraillieurs, show me how things work. People with knowledge love to give it away! Test ride something, then leave that shop and go to another. You won't believe how quickly you'll gain knowledge and know what everyone's talking about. I'm a newbie, too, but have learned so much listening to my group friends, reading this board, and talking to bike salesmen. AND ASKING QUESTIONS!

After you visit several shops, you'll find one that you're comfortable with. Good luck!