New to riding-can you help me choose a bike?
 

I'm a 5'2" female interested in getting a relatively decent bike for mostly weekend riding on trails near my home in Arlington, VA. At first I thought I'd just get a Schwinn at Target, then decided it was better to find something a little more reliable. I looked at Treks the other night--7100 and 7200. But I am a little wary of paying $320 or $400 at this point. I think I want a mountain bike or a hybrid. The paths I will be riding are paved, but I might want to ride it to work occasionally.

I looked on Craig's List and responded to an ad about a Trek--turns out it was way too big (I need a 15" frame). The guy ended up saying he could sell me a 2003 Bridgestone mountain bike for $250, inlcuding a helmet and a u-lock. I really don't know anything about Bridgestone. Is that a decent price? I've noticed that some sellers try to pawn off year-old Treks on Craigs List for the same price I'd pay for a current model in the store.

I'm not opposed to a used bike, though I'm a little wary of going that path if I don't know anything about the seller. Any pointers for me? I feel really lost!! Can you help?

15 inch frame sounds kind of large for you.

I bought a Diamond Back Sorrento a few years back for right around 300.00
it was a nice entry level bike.

I wouldn't suggest buying used unless you get it at a bike shop or have someone with you that knows bikes.

You will want something like a 14 incher. The Bridgestones where some great bikes back in the early nineties, the lower the number like an mb-2 is better than an mb-3. If I remember correctly, they used Tange Prestige tubing. Another option is to consider spending a little more, and get something like a used cannondale Killer v or Super v. The Super v looks like this, http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-Mount...QQcmdZViewItem

Killer v : http://www.hyannispoint.com/mtb/bikes_cannondale.asp