Don't yell, girlfreind, we hear you just as well in lower case.
When you shop for a bike, you shop for a shop as well. Go visit your local dealers, and stay out of Sears and Wal Mart please. If it isn't a strictly bike shop, you don't want to fool with it. The bikes are so poor they're just a waste of money. And right dangerous as well. And don't buy a Schwinn- they got bought out last year and the once great company is putting out garbage.

A lot of bike people will drive an hour or so to a good shop. Totally worth it. I ride the fences on my cross country beast when I'm living on the plantation and I drive sixty miles into the city for a quality shop when I need stuff. 'Course I also need a movie and a good restaurant by then
If the help is rude or snotty you don't want even the spiffiest bike in the world from that shop. You want a dealer who will take the time to find out what your needs are and fit you properly. A great shop will educate it's customers, 'cause they know if they make it fun you'll be back for years to come. And a good shop is worth a drive if the service is excellent. Too many places will just sell you anything and tell you a lot of BS to get your cash.
If you're beginning, don't be a control freak about stuff you read on the internet. That's why you need to seek out a good proffessional- they know more from years of experience than you can possibly find out on the web. A few more bucks on a peice of good equipment will make a huge difference in how your new hobby goes.
You may want to start out on a hybrid (todays term for a three speed, but with 27 speeds) and then trade up to a drop bar touring bike later when you're fit enough to handle it. Get a subscription to Bicycling Magazine. You will learn things from it. Don't start on clipless pedals. They come later.
Buy a good helmet and always wear it. Carry water and drink it. Wear sunscreen.
If you tell us where you are, we may be able to tell you where a good local shop is.

missliz