Don't be sorry for writing a novel
Welcome to the board, and if you want informed ideas, debate, suggestions and feedback you have come the the right place

Be warned... you go from being a "beginning cyclist" to an "addicted and avid cyclist" extremely quickly. So get the bikes you want - don't restrict yourself to a price bracket. Beginning cyclists deserve exactly what they want.

Look around your LBSs... and lok around this forum. Suss out who does similar cycling to what you intend and then look at what type of bike/s they have.

Enjoy the search.... its all about anticipation...