I started out on a Cruiser style (Trek Pure Sport 21sp) bike and now I am a happy owner of a FX 7.3 that I bought only a few months after outgrowing my first bike.

I do have back issues, so for me a road bike is likely out, but I'd test ride both and see what you like better if you don't have any limitations. I actually bought the FX used and saved about 50% on new bike prices and yea, it had a few scratches, but I am likely to have scratched it at some point and I placed a few stickers where the scratches were. I'd likely do it the same way again as for me (learned to ride @ 35 y/o and the Trek Pure was my first EVER bike) I needed that starter (slow/forgiving) bike to gain confidence on before stepping up to the FX.

I'm happy and surprised myself how quickly I've come to enjoy riding the FX... who KNOWS if I'll someday find myself oggling the roadies at the LBS... but for now I'm happy!!

Shannon