Glad to join the "ring" and get lots of great info.
Just got into riding about 6 months ago when I started my "I'm not gonna be a fat @ss 40 year old" routine. Really enjoying it.
Started on an REI Divano, which is a sound bike. An old friend then basically gave me his 2000 Raleigh 700 Comp. w/ full Ultegra. Wow, spend money on components, not names.
Also do a fair amount of mountain biking. Riding a Haro, but looking to upgrade soon.