Help me choose a bike please

[slbrooks]

I recently got my 2 year old a running/balance bike (he really LOVES it), and its made me want to get a bike too. I'm 30 and haven't ridden a bike since I was like 15, so I need something that will be good for a beginner. I plan to use it on mostly concrete trails and the occasional smooth dirt path. I will probably only ride occasionally (around once/week for a half hour or so) so I only want to spend $150 to $200.

I rode my husbands 8 year old Specialized Hardrock today and it was frightening, but fun. I felt like it was going too fast and kept using the hand brakes to slow down, not sure if it's just 'cause its been so long since I've ridden a bike or that it is a faster bike than the huffy 10 speed I rode as a kid :) The gears were confusing to me, but I fiddled with them to make it tolerable. It's also too big for me as I'm 5'7" and he's 6'0".

Anyway, any suggestions? I found this bike online: http://www.strollers.com/Schwinn-S2645-YZ1058.html but can't find any reviews for it.

[referee54]

Raleigh and Giant have some hybrid bikes that you may want to look at. They are more comfortable than road bikes and have all-purpose tires that can go from side-wak to street to crushed limestone. Go see them at your LBS.

Tim C.

for what it is worth, I commute on a Raeigh C-200--which is middle of the road hybrid---
I did some upgrades on it but I put about 1500 miles a year on it. I also ride it for recreational purposes, as well.