Hi Jan,
Ill be 53 in a couple of weeks ,and I just started riding a bike 4 months ago. I thought $450.00 was outrageous for my Gary Fisher Hybrid. My husband and I had both bought bikes. Well, not knowing anything about biking ,I got hooked in about 3 weeks. Within 2 months I did a 46 mile ride up lots of hills. Joining this group has taught me so much.
2 weeks ago I had my bike stolen ,so I have a TREK 2.1 pilot WSD on order 1,400 something. Never in my wildest dreams would I thought I would be spending that much on a bike. I'm 5/9 with a short torso ,and long legs ,but it seemed to fit me OK too. Also not sure how to fit a bike....its the saddle that needs to fit. I ride about 8 miles a night (weather allowing) ,and 25-30 on Saturday ,and Sunday. I plan to do a metric in April. Good luck ,and Welcome to the group...you'll find so much information here.