LVM,
The type of bike Cat has is a cruiser, which is great for riding around town, providing you're only riding a few miles, won't be doing any steep hills, plan on taking your time, and would like to sit upright to enjoy the scenery. Cruisers are also very comfy, with big wide tires and seats to cushion and soften shock. When my husband and I vacation in Key West, we rent cruisers because the entire island is only 4 miles long.
My bike (on first page) is a road bike, built for speed and distance. The seat is higher than the handlebars because the position provides more power to your legs so you can ride much further, faster and longer, with far less effort. There is zero cushioning and combined with those skinny tires, provides a rock-hard ride, which can be painfully jarring, even with padded bike shorts. However, it also glides right up steep hills, and you can pick it up with one hand, and hold it over your head as you run up several flights of stairs. With a good road bike, riding a century (100 miles) in a single day is very doable, although it may be several days before you can walk or sit again. At minimum, you can expect chaffing, if not blisters.
If you can find an affordable one, you might want to consider a hybrid. With hybrids, there are certain trade offs, but they usually incorporate elements of comfort (cruiser) bikes with wider tires and handlebars that allow you to ride in more of an upright position, while also incorporating the lighter weight and other design features found in road bikes. Some hybrids also include certain elements of mountain bikes, such as shocks and nubbier tires. hybrids can be very versatile, providing you don't mind the trade offs. Cross fit (sport fit) bikes basically are hybrids, but cross fits are usually somewhat higher end and more expensive.
Best of luck.
