hi Wren!

I'm a brand new rider so can't give you expert advice, but I would say to get a bike that you love. Mine does everything I need it to do, but just doesn't set my heart alight. I think I assumed that because I was a new rider I needed something super-sensible. Now that (like Shannon!) I can stay on the bike for an hour or so I'm starting to wish I'd gone for attractive as well as functional.

Good luck though, and the help here is terrific no matter how stupid a question feels to ask.