Hybrid Bicycles - Newbie questions

Dear All -

New member & beginner here. Please be patient with me. At the age of 44, I'd like to get back to biking. I only did very little recreational biking as a teenager and know very little about bikes and biking in general. But I've learned some basics recently.

My questions are these -
1) I'd like to get a hybrid bike (for the upright position b/c I'd like enjoy the scenery a little bit while biking) and I understand hybrids are not built for long distance rides. Maybe 5-10 miles for me. There are so many choices. Can somebody suggest 2-3 to me for consideration? My price range is about $350 - $400 (I know it is not a lot for a good bike.) I like lighter bikes if possible.

2) I don't have a garage but only a tool shed. Would that be okay to keep the bike in there for the winter (I live in NJ and it does snow in winter time.)

3) Does anybody know a good bike shop in central jersey? Since I am a newbie, I figure I should stick with a LBS.

4) If I want to go with used bikes, would the LBS my best bets. (I browsed through craigslists but it seems very time consuming going that route.)

5) Last one, I promise, any good trails to ride bikes over the weekend in central jersey?

Thanks!

Welcome, just get you started, I read you and I comprehend.. www.jamisbikes.com (http://www.jamisbikes.com) also www.bianchiusa.com (http://www.bianchiusa.com) OK, these are my favs. also check Trek , Specialized, Fuji, any and every name. Jamis is an easy site, a virtual tutorial on bikes, check all the catagories; Road, comfort, hybrid.cross training.. all these, other genres too. Bianchi .. look at the 2009 models, the 2010s are out but only the racers so far, the 09s are still for sale all over. CK the sites for imfo. the brand your local boke shop (LBS) will have one of these brands. Trek & Giant have complex sites but good bikes.

You know a lot already - your best bet is to start visiting different shops, and tell them what you told us.

Ride lots of bikes in your price range, and get back to us with your short list --- we'll offer lots of opinions for you to wade thru.

And, don't be afraid to ask even the most basic questions. It brings a lot of us back to reality.

Lastly, read thru some of the more heavily trafficed items on this SIG, for more questions and ideas.

Good luck on your search, and have fun.

Ill recommend a few. 350-400 is tight, $500 opens more options! But here goes:

Specialized Sirrus. I have one, its comfy and PERFECT for 5-10 miles, or longer.

Trek 7100 might actually make your current budget. Has a suspension fork and a more upright position, My girlfriend has one and 10 miles is very comfy for her.

Trek FX7.2 might get in your range or a little higher. Similar to the Sirrus, kind of a flat handled road bike with more of mountain gearing, to get up hills easier.

Jamis Coda. $550ish, steel frame good components for price. A bit more than you want to spend, but they look nice.

There are many many others. I am most familiar with trek and specialized, my fav dealer sells those. I would look for 8 or 9 speed bikes, more parts available. Go to a bike shop or two or three. Try what they have in stock. Find a bike that fits your needs and wants. 5-10 miles is comfortable on most hybrids, so you just have to find what you like. Even color sometimes plays a part in selection :)

My story is similar to yours and I bought a Giant Sedona a year ago. Nice bike for the price, somewhere around $325- $350 if I remember correctly. My experiences have been with Northern New Jersey shops and am not familiar with any Central Jersey shops. The Giant website should be able to direct you to a local dealer.

You will find plenty of hybrids in the sub $500 range. Ride as many as you can and buy the one that is most comfortable to you. IMHO, in that price range, there isn't much quality difference and I am sure you will find a bike that you will like and that will serve you well.

A local bike shop is having a bike sale. The following are the ones available. The
salesperson recommended voyageur GS (21 speed). What do you guys think?



09
GT Vantara Silver Small


$379.00

$350.00
7%
09
GT Nomad Blue Small


$429.00

$375.00
12%
09
GT Transeo 4.0 Sand Small


$449.00

$395.00
11%





09
Schwinn Voyager 7 Silver SM


$319.00

$295.00
7%





09
Schwinn Voyager GS White Small


$379.00

$350.00
7%
09
Spec. Carmel 700 2 Green Small


$429.00

$375.00
12%


Thank!

Looking at comfort bikes, I'd go with the Carmel for the money - but, I think you might be able to do better on prices ---- these are 09's, right?

Just for clarification - you did ride all these bikes? Correct?

Which one felt the best to you, was the most comfortable, and the easiest to ride?

Thanks for all your advice and warm welcome!

I found one bike shop 10 miles away that has decent reviews. But they only sell new bikes (listed in my last posting). Please advice which one of those is good.

I checked craigslist and the only decent bike is

2007 Trek 2.1 56cm Barely Ridden - $750

I know it's a good road bike. If I can it for lower price, I may consider getting it.

Wanderer:

I only tried the voyager b/c that's all they had in display. Where would you suggest I go for better prices?

Thanks!

2007 Trek 2.1 56cm

I might be able to get this bike for $500. Is it a good dea? Anything I should consider.

Thanks,