Toe overlap: I don't get the big deal here. It doesn't affect anything anyway. I know this b/c my bike has toe overlap.

To the OP:
I agree with what's been said about checking out your local bike shop and then coming back here with what you find out. Ride a couple hybrids and a couple road bikes and see how they feel. This is a good guide for what you'll enjoy. Come back and tell us what you liked and didn't like and what you still want to know.

Happy test riding!