Recreational & Family - best for $500

I'm new to the bike world and looking for a good bike, whether it be a mtb bike or a hybrid. I saw a trek sport urban su 1.0 or 2.0. Also I saw the specialized globe sport. Doug fisher could be a possibility. Like I said I'm new and don't know to much any help would be appreciated. The use would be lite commuting and exercise. my budget is 500 $

I bought a specialized sirrus that was just over that mark. I only have about 100 miles on it but so far have been very pleased. I also looked at a Trek fx7.3 which was just a few dollars cheaper. It had a very good ride, but the sirrus tended a bit more toward a road bike, which I wanted.

Doug Fisher? Do you mean Gary Fisher?
All the brands you listed are excellent bikes. Visit your local bike shop (LBS) and tell them the type of riding you'll be doing, how many miles per week, your budget, etc. They'll steer you to the bike you're looking for.

As a (very) general rule, the mountain bikes in the $500 price range are better built than other bikes. The designers assume they will be abused, so the frame, fork, and components are built to take abuse.

There is not a big difference in quality between any of the major brands. I'd pick the bike by the quality of the shop. The best shops get the bikes built right, tuned right, and take care of their customers when the bike needs adjustments, wheel truing, and tune-ups.

And, the closer the shop is to your home, the easy it is to ride by for adjustments...the shop six blocks from home is more helpful than the "discount" shop six miles from home.