4 responses so far ↓

• 1 Henry Ate My Eggo // May 14, 2008

  Trek, Cannondale, Marin, and a host of other name-brand bikes. Any decent bike store (read: NOT a department store) can hook you up.

• 2 Oceanik // May 14, 2008

  Unfortunately, a "good" hybrid will be more than $350

  You want an aluminum frame, all good Shimano components ,700cc wheels/tires, etc and this comes at a cost.

  Avoid the Wallmart, Target and general sport stores.
  Find a good local bike store which will provided good advice, good sizing and good service (and you will need some on an hybrid)

  Here are 2 good hybrids:
  http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=34270
  http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/kaitai

• 3 Glenn H // May 14, 2008

  you could always check out bikes direct.com.

• 4 Dru // May 14, 2008

  As Henry said any of those companies will provide a good entry level hybrid that will provide years of riding. Just make sure you have the bike tuned up at least once a year to keep the gears shifting as smoothly as possible.

  You can spend more money on bikes and get nicer components and extras but your basic hybrid will be fine to ride. For example looking at the Treks since Henry already mentioned them.

  The entry level hybrid is the 7000

  http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7000/

  With this bike you get entry level shimano components, and no front suspension fork. Your shifts may not be as smooth as the other pricier bikes but as long as you keep the bike tuned up yearly they will still work and get you into the gears you want to be in.

  This is the 7100 model

  http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7100/

  As you can see you get a front suspension fork with this bike which will make your rides just a little bit smoother as the fork will take up the first couple inches of bumps that the 7000 bike would make your arms control. You will also have nicer deraileurs on the bike meaning smoother shifting. Honestly though most customers looking at hybrids or comfort bikes aren't as concerned about the shifting as they are the ride of the bike.

  Even though I have been talking about Treks this does not mean this is going to be the best bike for you. Test ride as many bikes and as many different bike companies as you can before you make your decision. I can get you 6 people on 6 different bikes and have 6 varying opinions as to which is the best bike. Ride as many varieties as you can, typically you'll find 2 or 3 that feel the best and at that point you'll start price shopping comparing each bike to see what the best deal is.

  Check around as some shops may still have some 07 bikes available which will mean you can get a little nicer bike for the same amount of money.

  There are also many more options on bike companies than listed above. You have choices of companies like Trek, Giant, Specialized, Fisher, Jamis, Kona, GT, Raliegh and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting that will all offer bikes along the price range and style that your looking for.

  No matter what you do go to your local bike shop or shops. They will not only help size you properly on the bikes but will also insure the bike is put together correctly and most offer a service plan for the bike. A lot of them will also offer a discount on additional accessories on the day you purchase the bike, kickstands, water bottle cages and bike computers tto name a few extras.

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