[QUOTE= I'm not inclined to true mountain biking, but I am inclined to distance riding. What would be recommended for something that can go a little off road, but won't kill be after 50 miles on pavement?[/QUOTE]

I will await the answers too, since that description fits me pretty well and I'm looking to upgrade. I went on the Mickelson Trail in SD this summer with some friends and everyone could go faster than I could, even downhill! I had to pedal to keep up with their coasting on the downhill stretches. I have been going to Weight Watchers since I figured out that exercise alone wasn't going to lose the weight, and I have promised myself a new bike when I get to my goal weight.