Hybrid Bicycles - Fat Noob needs some help on bike choice

Hello all. Was wondering if I could get some advice. I am wanting to get into bike riding and am overwhelmed by all the different choices. I would be riding on both paved trails, and also off road. I'm 6'0 and around 230. My budget is 400-700. I would also like a speedometer, and upgraded seat with that budget. Can you all kindly lead me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance!

The Trek Navigator and 7x00 hybrid are two great choices in your price range. Could go get either the Nav 2.0 or 7300.

I started with a 7300 and found I was riding so much that the more road-like 7.x series worked better for me, so that's also an option.

I'm shorter and weigh more than you and all of the above bikes are more than capable of handling the load.

I agree with the above post..........either will suit you just fine......actually (my opinion) most/all of the 'big name' bikes (or even the small name bikesdirect) will be fine......don't get hung up on brand.......in regard to a speedometer - WalMart and big box stores sell a Schwinn speedo for around 10 bucks which is just DANDY! I had a Trek wireless and it crapped out in less than a year - I found the Schwinn speedometer at WalMart or Kmart or something like that and I like it better! It's basic but it does the job....speed, mileage, odometer etc. In regard to a seat - again my opinion - but look for something that has a cut out for your tender parts......REI has a Serfas model that is gel (but not 'soft' by any means) and it has made a world of difference. I convinced my wife to try one on her bike and she and I normally do 20 -25 miles every weekend Saturday and Sunday with NO issues. She can't believe how much of a difference it's made. Good luck and RIDE your new bike (whatever you decide) until it falls apart!!!!!

...in regard to a speedometer - WalMart and big box stores sell a Schwinn speedo for around 10 bucks which is just DANDY! I had a Trek wireless and it crapped out in less than a year - I found the Schwinn speedometer at WalMart or Kmart or something like that and I like it better! It's basic but it does the job....speed, mileage, odometer etc.

Since you mentioned it I have to add - these Walmart/Targed speedos are good as long as they are wired and for 10-12 bucks.

I have 2 wireless from Walmart for $20 I purchased couple of years ago and they work just fine, but I decided to buy another wireless (for some reason they changed the color from silver to black) and I tried few of them - none of them were working fine anymore.

So... just go with cheap wired and you will be alright.

To add to this topic - also try CL - with $600 in hand you can do very good - something like 7.5FX with 500 miles can be found.
But take someone with you who knows about bikes a little.
BikesDirect.com have interesting Cyclocross bikes for $580-800 It might work for you as well.

Thanks for the advice guys. I went to my local bike store this morning and settled on the Trek 7300 Disc. The new 2012 models are coming out soon, so he sold it to me a 2011 for 525.00. Also got a free seat with the cut out, odometer and water bottle. I did purchase a helmet and shorts.

I think I'm probably going to be doing more dirt trails than paved trails, so that's why I went with a mountain bike.

Wish me luck all, I can't ever get myself to go to the gym consistintly, so I'm hoping I really enjoy this.

Thanks again for the help!

Sounds like a great deal!!!!! Go RIDE now - enjoy the journey!

Nice done. Congrats.

You should really enjoy riding that 7300. Trek makes a nice bike.