General Cycling Discussion - new rider...HELP Pls

i'm overloaded with different brands/types of bikes...i just want something i can ride daily...to work and recreational...road, trail, path...i don't know what to buy. i want the best bike for my price range, $500-600 Cdn. please help. thx.

YOu can look at some entry level hardtails mountain bikes, they will be able to handle the trails and commuting to work. Other choice is a hybrid which is not great for trails or Road but in between somewhere. Third choice would be a cyclocross bike, basicaly a road bike that can accept wider tires and can handle trail riding. There is a few choices available to you in that price range, best thing to do go down to quite a few LBS in you're area and start test riding see what feels best to you. Since each has a slightly differnet geometry, so will feel different riding.

Find yourself a good proper bike shop, one with a good reputation that you can trust. That will cut down on the brands, since in your price range, they are all pretty similar. The bike shop will help to get a correctly fitting bike, will swap out components such as tyres, and will fit and integrate all the accessories you need for commuting use. Dont forget to budget for helmet and gloves, some simple repair kit, luggage rack, panniers, and lights if you need them.

Although a cyclo-cross bike is an excellent choice, they usually start at $800.
There are some good enty level MTBs which can be roadified by replacing the knobbly tyres with high pressure slick ones.
With bikes, less is better, and a lighter bike wil, always ride better than a heavier one. Suspension mechanisms are really not needed for general mixed riding. Avoid full-sus (you cant fit a luggage rack). Most quality mid-range bike have sus fork, which is OK. Something like the Jamis Durango gives you a lot of bike for the money.