Hi!

I don't have any bike suggestions for you, but I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. You have a wonderful outlook and are ready to do great things - just need the tools! I do know that a lot of ladies start with a hybrid bike before determining that they want a road bike. Mountain biking is great too, but unless you have good trails near where you live, there are more road biking alternatives most places. I am lucky enough to do both, and enjoy different aspects of both. Of course, I have four bikes, so that helps!

I hope some other gals here can offer you suggestions on specific bike models. The only advice I can offer is to go to your LBS and test ride as many bikes as you can and see which type/style feels right to you. And make sure to get a good fit. At your height, you probably won't need women's specific design, so you'll have lots of options.

Good luck, and keep on posting!!

Emily, just one state south