Introductions - Getting Ahead of Myself

So, I don't even own a bike right now.

I just saw a bike shop the other day as I was strolling with my husband and suddenly wanted to go inside. We both were overcome with the desire to own bikes. Neither of us have had one since childhood.

We don't tend to stray far from home and we'd just be tooling around the neighborhood, but other than commuting to work most of the places we go are less than 5 miles from our house. So we both agreed that, given DC area traffic, biking would be faster if we could do it safely. Plus it's the only physical activity that can legally be done outdoors that my husband doesn't loath.

I'm not sure about how safe we could be, our choice of bike (Looking at the Specialized Expidition Sport) and the feasability, but we both want to be more active and spend time together enjoying the summer weather, and with my husband's so-so knees (running injuries) walking isn't something we can do often. I'm going to look around here for more info on all of that.

Welcome to the forum and welcome to that same desire to bike that many of us share. One of the things about biking is that there are several ways it can grow in you. For some, off road single track trails is the way they eventually find the most enjoyment. Some find that short trips around the neighborhood are most satisfying, and others need the long mileage runs of the open road. From what you have stated the Specialized Expedition is probably a good choice. Don't be afraid to go for a test ride to make sure the bike fits you and your style. Best of luck. Jeff

Welcome ,
From what you describe, your riding style sounds like the hybrid style.
That style, to put it simply, would use a hardtail mountain bike with smooth city tires,
upright stem, bars with slight rise, and optional shock fork.Trek makes many great comfort bikes built for riding around that don't break the bank.You don't need the shock fork but it's not bad to have either.
Stay away from full suspension bikes, they are tanks, designed for one purpose, going downhill very fast at break neck speed. Then, they can't even make it to the top again.
Road bikes are for the serious racer, triathelete, or cross country long distance rider who tours ,with 60 pounds of gear. The Aero-position is not for every one,especially those with back problems.
Specialized is a great company with great customer service,and people friendly products. Both they and Trek have the bike for you. A hybrid, city commuter, comfort style mountain bike.
Good Luck>