Thanks for the replies. I'm not too worried about learning to ride as long as your pedaling the bike will stay upright, i'll just have to figure out how to pedal and shift at the same time. I wanted to get it early in the season so i didn't look like a fool in the midst of summer.

I've always been cruising the local classifieds but to be honest nothing has been close to my size, and second nothing cheap.

I just assume buy new and get it right the first time. Right now really isn't the time of year here to get a bike, as we speak 8 or more inches of snow is coming down plus freezing rain and gale force winds!

As far as borrowing one I'm new to town and don't know a soul. I do not live in a highly populated area.

I'm more stuck on what type of bike I'm really looking at . I kinda had my heart set on dropped bars. I just figure since i had a wee bit of a crazy personality I'd be better suited to a road bike just in case i wanted to go on a trip, or even head up to my boyfriend's for the weekend, about 150 miles away. I realize that would take a little training. but i got the endurance. Once the weather gets better i'll be back to running. I usually run 12 miles a day.

I was just trying to figure out was a road bike really that unsafe on the road with traffic. I realize a snazzy racing style bike wouldn't be practical. But something sturdy that you could put wider tires on, and had decent brakes.

Thats all for now. Thanks again for your suggestions and help.