I'm not a novice, but I feel like one.

[malkin]

Once your personal physical odometer clicks past 50 (years) you will see the truth and beauty of longer shorts.

[PamNY]

What are the biggest differences between a "commuter" bike and a "touring" bike? I have a general understand of the differences between a road bike and a mountain bike, but those other two I don't know yet.

I am riding a hybrid, but have started thinking about getting road bike probably in about 1.5 years, after my Jeep is paid off and I have that extra money to save for a new bike. I don't know even where to begin in the hunt for the perfect bike. I don't even know what size frame I need, or how to measure myself to find out.

I recently got some very good advice about bike shopping in this thread.