Hybrid Bicycles - New Bike

Help. I have decided to by a Hybrid/Comfort bike because most of my riding is either in the street or on trails. My neighbor has loaned me an old Raligh hybrid but I am now ready to buy my own. I am 66 yrs old and just getting back into biking. Which one to buy? Local store or Internet Sales? New or used? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Where are you?

I'd ride several in your price and features point in a 2009 or 2010 closeout bike. There are definite advantages to buying from your local bike shop, including building a relationship with them to increase value and your satisfaction from their service.

I would go Used. Depending what is available in your area.
I started at age 65 years on a road bike.

New or used? This is what I would do. Go to a LBS and check out what is availabe new and for what price. Test ride a few bikes. You now have a benchmark, and a sense of what your bike might cost new (probably anywhere from $400 to $600 at a LBS).

Now, scope out your local Craigslist and even ask at your LBS if they have any used bikes. You should be able to find something pretty clean for $250 or less, maybe as little as $50 or $75. If you buy from a LBS, your used bike should be ready to ride, and hopefully have at least a 30 day warranty. The CL/private sale bike is as is, so be prepared to put a little work into it. It could be as little as a basic tuneup costing $40 or $50 to replacement of a lot of worn parts, but even there, it will still be less then the cost of a brand new bike. And, if you choose something in clean condition that at least rides and shifts OK, repair costs shouldn't be too bad.

Also, if you go the used route, show your LBS some love and give them the business for repairs and accessories, like helmet, rack, seat bag, tools, pump, lock, gloves, and shorts. This is not insignificant.
Helmet - $40
Pump - $30
Shorts - $40
Lock - $25
Gloves - $25
Spare Tubes - $7

Help. I have decided to by a Hybrid/Comfort bike because most of my riding is either in the street or on trails. My neighbor has loaned me an old Raligh hybrid but I am now ready to buy my own. I am 66 yrs old and just getting back into biking. Which one to buy? Local store or Internet Sales? New or used? Any suggestions? Thanks.

You did not mention your height, but if you are at least 5' 9'' this might be good for you.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Mens-Avenue-Hybrid-Bike/8399247
, take the time to read at least the first 4 reviews. You have 90 days to return it, where
other purchases are pretty final. And like cars, once you drive it off the lot, price just dropped
a lot. :( The bike is a well built, and once properly adjusted, works flawlessly. And if after a
couple months, you want to upgrade to something with better components, just take it back for a full refund. But I do not think you will find that necessary. Good Look, Hope this helps.
:)

You did not mention your height, but if you are at least 5' 9'' this might be good for you.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Mens-Avenue-Hybrid-Bike/8399247
, take the time to read at least the first 4 reviews. You have 90 days to return it, where
other purchases are pretty final. And like cars, once you drive it off the lot, price just dropped
a lot. :( The bike is a well built, and once properly adjusted, works flawlessly. And if after a
couple months, you want to upgrade to something with better components, just take it back for a full refund. But I do not think you will find that necessary. Good Look, Hope this helps.
:)

A Wal Mart Schwinn? It might be OK, might not. I have heard too many horror stories about the big box stores messing up on assembly of new bikes and other quality problems. Maybe you got a good one.

A Wal Mart Schwinn? It might be OK, might not. I have heard too many horror stories about the big box stores messing up on assembly of new bikes and other quality problems. Maybe you got a good one.

After almost 2000 miles,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgztXNxTZyE it shifts better than
the video, but had to pause detween peddling and shifting.....Richard

Before I added the Topeak rack ststem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF9VLGT9g5c , every once in while you find a nice bike at a big box store., just have to shop carefully. The welds are awesome looking, and the brakes would match
Tektro anyday. Richard