Thank you for your reply.

Yes, there are plenty of hills where I live. Planning on riding on smooth pavement; I'm sorry to say, but there are no bike paths anywhere! I'm hoping to work up to distance, 30-50 mile rides. The bike will be used for working out, not to run errands with. Various speeds, yes. Sometime in the future maybe riding with a club is a possibility, not right off though. I had not been on a bike in 20 years but have done several rides recently, about 20 miles. I think my biggest hurdle is adjusting to the toe clips. I have shoes with clips for spinning & thought it would easily transfer over. Guess I need to get use to one thing at a time.

Everything I've read has said to spend as much as you can afford for a bike. What is a reasonable amount to spend? I want something I'll be satisfied with & spend time riding, not frustrated with mechanical issues.