Hybrid Bicycles - New to biking, have no clue what I should buy

Alright, I'm 22 and looking to start biking. Near me, there is a long ass trail that goes on indefinitely afaik and I would like to ride it. This is paved, and most if not all of my riding will be on paved roads.

From what I understand a hybrid bike is what I need, I hate the bikes with the weird handle bars that are extremely low.

I'm not looking to spend much honestly, but I would like something that doesn't fall apart after a minute and looks good.

I'm 5'8" btw, male, and clueless what size bike I need.

Can anyone help me out finding something decent? I live in Seattle so I am probably going to buy something on craiglist. I would appreciate it if someone showed me some good bikes I could look into in my area, as I have no idea what to search for.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/

Thanks

Re size: fit is based on your inside leg length, wearing shoes. Plug this into: www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/help/bike-frame-size-advice-guide

Basic rules:

- Make sure the bike has alloy NOT steel wheels (steel doesn't brake well in the rain)

- A bike for the road shouldn't have any suspension - suspension forks eat pedaling energy and cheap ones mess up handling, especially in stiff emergency turns and braking

- Avoid carbon fibre components in a used bike (it can have hidden crash damage that can cause sudden failure)

- Trek, Kona and Giant are particularly safe and widely distributed brands.

- Google for details on the bike and see in particular if it has a "double butted" frame. - A suspensionless MTB can be used just as well on the road as a hybrid if you put smooth "slick" road tyres on it. There seem to be some very good deals on new entry level bikes at the moment in the US

I'd take a look at something like a new Trek FX7.2. You should be able to find one for $400. You could get something better used, but it takes hassle and luck/skill.

Don't forget to buy a decent lock - probably an Abus or Kryptonite U-Lock.

- A bike for the road shouldn't have any suspension - suspension forks eat pedaling energy and cheap ones mess up handling, especially in stiff emergency turns and braking.
Not true. There is no should or should not here. If you are in an area where road conditions have a lot to be desired, suspension forks help to soften the ride. If you go the suspension route, make sure that you have a decent quality fork with a lock out so that you can turn off the suspension function when riding up hills. I have a Kona Dew FS with front suspension and very much like it -- I have experienced no problems in turning or braking.

Ride what makes you comfortable.

From what I understand a hybrid bike is what I need, I hate the bikes with the weird handle bars that are extremely low.

Hybrid bikes are kind of in the middle of a road bike and a mountain bike. Since you mention that you'll only be riding on paved roads, I think what you really want is a flat bar road bike. Although you may find them both under the same section, they're actually very different bikes.

A hybrid usually has a more upright riding position, a heavier frame, and wider tires, the flat bar road bike has a little more aggressive riding position, a lighter frame and skinny tires. The Trek 7.2 FX is a great example of a flat bar road bike. Highly recommended by everyone.

I agree to avoid the ones with front suspension, the front suspensions on your price range are very low quality and will hurt more than it will help. hope this helps.

What is your price range - there are a lot of nice, road leaning, Hybrids, out there - many with lock out front suspensions that give you the best of both worlds, many with wider tires for more comfortable riding. Try many, and you will know which ones yo like..

Don't just write off front suspensions, as they definitely do make for more comfortable riding, even when the pavement is rough.......