Recreational & Family - help out a short clumsy girl.

hi.

so i've been looking for a bike and i know i mostly want a hybrid/comfort/commutor style, as ill probably mostly be using it in an urban setting. i'm also very short, at 5'1" so this is proving difficult.

i did critical mass a couple weeks ago on my roommates bike and i really enjoyed it [ although the bike itself sucked. it was a trek mountain bike tha twas way too big for me. ] so that sort of riding is probably what i'd be most down for. i'm also trying to lose weight so i'd probably also use it as a form of exercise.

ive gone looking around, and so far have been told that the kona smoke, khs urban x and some others ar eprobably what im looking for.

today i tried a bianchi avenue and it fit me very well.. although its $350

and i'm kind of worried i'm going to be the idiot bad bike rider with an expensive bike...

how should i go about this?

You might also want to check out the JAmis Coda series

Elektra puts out some great low-standover bikes. Avialable in anything from single speed to internal 7 speed, to 27-speeds. Some great colors tro choose from too.
Bit laid back geometry. At your 5'1" height you'll actually be able to sit on the saddle and get your feet down! No fooling!
No such thing as idiot bike rider with expensive bike. Go girl!!!

$350 is not expensive, it's entry level. Keep trying until
you find one you like.

tinycities, you are still taller than I am :D .

It's really not necessary to keep your feet flat on the ground, unless you are truly terrified of falling. You will severely limit yourself though, if you want to keep your feet on the ground.

East Hill

Trek Pure Lowstep 15" $370

YOu should be looking at a bike with 26" MTB size wheels. The larger hybrid wheels (700c) cause all kinds of issues when squished into small frames.
Breezer (http://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes.cfm)make some really nice bikes with 26" wheels, step-through frames and simple-to-use hub gears.

We had a similar problem finding a bike for my mom, who's an inch shorter than you. The solution for her was the Bianchi Milano. 26 inch wheels, 8speed internal hub, easy handling. Perfect for cruising around the neighborhood.