question for all you cyclists

I haven't owned a bike for at least 15 years and want to buy one. I think I want one of those hybrid types, half mountain bike half street type bike. I won't be commuting or anything, just want something to ride around on with the family. No treacherous trails or anything.

I just want something comfortable, sturdy and reliable. Price range is $300 - $500. Any suggestions on what I should look into buying?

I have a Gary Fischer hybrid and I love it. I don't know how much they cost new though b/c I got it from my friend who'd only ridden it twice for super cheap.

i recently bought a bike for the first time in 15 years as well probably, may be a little more than you want to spend but I love it
http://bianchiusa.com/07_san_jose.html
<img src="http://bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/140f1a76c7.jpg" alt=" - " />

mine is the blue one which I think looks much nicer

i too am looking for a bike. but um…how do i put this, much more casually and for a lot less.

this seems like a good deal to me and im in talks to go check it out…

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/334261512.html

what do you all think?

<img src="http://citybikes.com/images/library/large/jamis_coda_bk_07_m.jpg" alt=" - " />

You sound exactly like me one month ago. I ended up with this Jamis Coda and love it so far. Runs $450 and can be ordered through City Bikes. Cheers, Toby

My wife got a Gary Fischer hybrid maybe five or six years ago, probably in the 500 range. She swears by it.

I paid something in your range for a Rockhopper, but that's a mtn bike.

Originally posted by K8teebug:
I have a Gary Fischer hybrid and I love it. I don't know how much they cost new though b/c I got it from my friend who'd only ridden it twice for super cheap.

Originally posted by miss pretentious:
i too am looking for a bike. but um…how do i put this, much more casually and for a lot less.

this seems like a good deal to me and im in talks to go check it out…

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/334261512.html

what do you all think?

If you're looking for an all-around bike, this might not be for you. It is cheap, but it's aimed more at the biker cult crowd who will turn it into a fixed gear or something. If it rides well, great, but it might not.

Here's my bike.

The Bicycyle Pro Shop in Georgetown is where I got it. I highly recommend them. I used to ride to work and so I bought all this locking shit to secure the wheels, seat, etc. But somehow, like the second day I rode it in, the seat got stolen. So I went back to the shop and was like, what the hell, I though this thingy was supposed to lock my seat. They set it straight and gave me a free seat (equal value, not some crappy cheat seat) to replace the stolen one.

Another time, something on my brake came loose when I was riding around on the Mt. Vernon trail and it just happened to come loose at the end when I was in Georgetown so I popped into the shop and they fixed it totally for free.

Hybrids are not great for on-road or off-road, but they do an okay job for both, so if it's just for casual riding on both terrains that's probably the way to go. The only problem is most people end up getting hooked so upgrade fairly quickly to a road or mtb. Also look at flatbar road bikes. They will be more suited for road and path riding with a more upright and less aggressive riding position. Of course, you can go all hip and get yourself a townie or cruiser type bike and look like an extra from a beer commercial.

Thanks everyone…i need something I can attach one of these kiddie seats too for my 3 year old as well as one of those towing things…you know for bigger kids the things with pedals and one wheel that attaches to the frame? My 5 year old will love that. She's just learning to ride a bike herself, so she won't be long on it but i'm hoping it will build her confidence and teach her what it really feels like to get going on a bike.

Anyone have and experience with Revolution Cycles? I was planning on buying from their shop in Clarendon, assuming they have something suitable.

How about this?

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1323010&amp;f=26

i ride a piece of crap bike i bought for $200 :)

but i only ride it about 5 miles a day in the city so i suppose i dont need anything fancy.

Update (as if you care):
I'm no longer buying one of those seat thing for my son - they seem too sketchy and unsafe. Instead I'm gonna get one of those trailers that I can put them both in. Some good deals for them on Craig's List.

How's the used selection at City Bikes? Gtown vs. Arlington? I'm not that much of a brokeass but can't imagine spending over $300 on a bike. Looking for a small frame mtn bike.

Do you smoke while biking? That would be cool.

Originally posted by le sonick:
i ride a piece of crap bike i bought for $200 :)

but i only ride it about 5 miles a day in the city so i suppose i dont need anything fancy.

heh, one time I saw a courier pedaling up 13th St NW with not one but two cigarettes in his mouth (one on each side). I'm guessing one of them was a spliff.

Anyway, I don't know why if someone says "I just want something comfortable, sturdy and reliable," one would recommend a road bike. A hybrid is the way to go. I had a Jamis Coda for a while – I didn't care for it, too heavy and slow – but for casual riding and dragging a couple of tots around in a trailer it would probably be perfect.

Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
Do you smoke while biking? That would be cool.

Originally posted by le sonick:
i ride a piece of crap bike i bought for $200 :)

but i only ride it about 5 miles a day in the city so i suppose i dont need anything fancy.

no. nor do i eat, drink or talk on the phone while on my bike..do you have a point?

i picked up a mongoose at toys 'r us while i was at school a few years ago. only $175 and works perfectly.

A lady found out her dog could hardly hear so she took it to the veterinarian. He found the problem was hair in its ears and cleaned both and then the dog could hear fine.

The vet told the lady if she wanted to keep this from reoccurring she should go to the store and get some "Nair" hair remover and rub in its ears once a month.

The lady goes to the drug store and gets some "Nair" hair remover.

At the register the pharmacist tells her "If you're going to use this under your arms don't use deodorant for a few days."

The lady says "I'm not using it under my arms."

The pharmacist says "If you're using it on your legs don't shave for a couple of days."

The lady says "I'm not using it on my legs either and if you must know I'm using it on my chnauzer."

The pharmacist says, "Stay off your bicycle for a week."

we picked up this trail a bike on sale at rei a few weeks ago - $129 or something

why are you concerned about the seat for your son? I am about to install one myself

Originally posted by chaz:
Thanks everyone…i need something I can attach one of these kiddie seats too for my 3 year old as well as one of those towing things…you know for bigger kids the things with pedals and one wheel that attaches to the frame? My 5 year old will love that. She's just learning to ride a bike herself, so she won't be long on it but i'm hoping it will build her confidence and teach her what it really feels like to get going on a bike.

Anyone have and experience with Revolution Cycles? I was planning on buying from their shop in Clarendon, assuming they have something suitable.