Hybrid Bicycles - Help! Trying to decide between Kona Dew & Asama Velocite...

I can't seem to find many (read: any!) reviews of the Asama Velocite, altho the Kona Dew seems to be a decent entry-level hybrid...

I'm looking to upgrade from my cheap parts bike (not that I don't love it -- introduced me to the fabulousness that is bike life!). I'm looking for a hybrid, one I can use for my daily 40km commute and also further afield touring (hoping to do Vancouver-San Fran next year, if I can handle it!).

My price range maxes out at about ~$500, so I've been looking through used bikes but there's so much info out there I get a little lost...any opinions/advice/tips in deciding between http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/bik/2438617141.html and http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/bik/2440258699.html ?

I'm 5'7"5'-8" (female) with 31" inseam, so not sure if size 18 frame (Asama) would be too small, but the size 21 (Kona) might be too large...

Any info is SO appreciated! :)

Not sure about the bikes but sounds like you and I have a similar build and a 21 would be way too big for me. I am 5'8 with an inseam of 31.5 and ride a 17.5 hybrid and a 53cm road bike. I was debating between the 15 and 17.5 but the 15 was just a bit too small. There is no way I could go to a 19 so I know a 21 would be impossible.

Hmm...really? Even if I can stand over the bike and there's about an inch of space between the top bar and my crotch?
I suspect the guy selling the bike might be confused about the frame size, since (I'm assuming!) I shouldn't be fitting that way on a frame 21 with my height/inseam length.
Thanks :)

Well, the base Dew goes for $429 US or roughly $415 CAD. Never heard of the other brand at all.

I'd also try to ride a Jamis Coda Femme or appropriately sized Jamis Coda Sport. Maybe try Gett Girl, North Shore Bike Shop, The Bike Gallery, or Pacific Multisports. While you can find value in used bikes the search is much harder and you are left without the support of a local bike store which should provide extra value.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/canada/reviews/2011_reviews/11_EC_CODASPORT.jpg?id=271

I have a 30 inch inseam and ride a 19.5" frame so I'm not surprised you might fit a 21".

I am a 5'5" female with a 31" inseam (riding inseam, not trouser inseam), and I am happy with my Specialized Vita (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52914&scid=1002&scname=Transport%2FFitness) which has a standover height very similar to the Kona Dew 21", although the horizontal top tube measurement is shorter. My last bike was a Trek MTB with a 17.5" frame, so I'm inclined to say that the dramatically different "shapes" of different bikes makes a big difference in fit vs. official size.