I agree, The Trek 1000 is a great bike to start out on. As Watson10 said the rear spokes are a little dicey. I broke 3 in the space of 100 miles, with a total of about 700 miles before they broke. My bike shop, Outspokin here in Augusta, traded it out for new. When I started I was at 243 lbs now down to 195 lbs so they did have a lot of weight to put up with. 2004 with Alex AT450 rims, the spokes are supposedly a little weaker than they thought.
If you even think that you are going to really like riding I would go for a 1200, you'll get a better fork and drivetrain without spending to much more than the 1000. I love my bike but I wish that I had spent a little more to start out. I'll more than make up for it come spring when I buy my next one.