Hello all,
I just found these forums about 2 days ago and decided to join.
I've been wanting to get into biking for awhile now, and the last time I owned a bike was about 10 years ago when I was 12

Anyways, the past few weeks I've been searching craigslist and local bike shops for any deals on a hybrid.
I'm going to be using it as a commuter and want to do some local trails as well.

The first deal I found was at Sports Chalet, a Fuji Absolute 3.0 on sale for $349.99 plus an additional 25% off from a coupon that ends this Sunday.

Another local bike shop has a Trek FX 7.1 for $349.99 and a Trek FX 7.2 for $399.

One of my friend's really recommends the FX 7.2 but the price sounds really good on the Fuji.

What do you guys recommend for an entry level bike to get me up and riding again, should I just shell out the extra money for one of the Trek's or go with the Fuji, or find something on craigslist.

I'm a n00b to bike's and am starting to read more about them to be more knowledgeable!
Can't wait for your input.
Thanks!

That is a great price on the 7.2 I am a Trek guy myself and I own the 7.2 I have nothing but good things to say about it

The Trek 7.2 FX is what I'd do. They are time-tested, proven, and loved by many. We haven't heard diddly-squat about the new versions of Fuji. But the Trek won't steer <koff> you wrong. And at that price? I'd buy a pair.

lol I wish I could afford a pair.

But I am also leaning that way, I'm going to hit up a few more bike shops tomorrow and see if I kind find any other deals, but so far, the 7.2 is looking good.

Another vote for the 7.2 from me. Solid bike with good components. If I didn't get such a great deal on my '07 Soho I would own one.

(Full Disclosure: I work at a Trek LBS)

you're buying at the perfect time where new models are coming in. so bike shops will want to get rid of the older models. i'd suggest if you are spending the money - go just a little more and get a 2009 7.3 fx or the new 2010 7.2 fx. like i said, you should be able to haggle on the 7.3 2009. these two models have double butted aluminum frame which rides better. these models are better bang for the buck. in the future, instead of upgrading your whole bike, you could just upgrade the components since the frame will last a lifetime and you already have a mid level quality frame. truthfully, i doubt there's signficant difference in actual riding between 7.2 and 7.3 as they are both great, but i know that double butted frame is considered a step up.

since you are new to all this, make sure to get fitted for a bike before you buy the bike (and have lbs discount it off should you buy a bike). fit is very important for comfort and health. you don't want neck or back pain with a bicycle that is wrong size. size depends on your riding style too.

check out all the lbs in your area and see what 7.3 2009 models they have. even wait a few weeks for them to be willing to give you a great deal on your correct size. most will tell you that 7.3s are popular and will disappear fast. no worries - then you can resort to a 2010 7.2. better components are always desirable but truthfully frame is most important thing to look for in a bike.

i have a fuji absolute 2.0 and a 2008 trek 7.2. both excellent bikes. got them both for 400. fuji has better components and double butted aluminum so it was the better value for me but you can't go wrong with either.

Those are both excellent deals. The idea that an entry level Trek has to be better than a Fuji is silly. I'd test ride the Fuji and if it felt right then I'd run with it at the price...

In practice, the skill of the store mechanics who assembled the bikes and how well each bikes your body will be what matters. Oh - and if one bike has a double butted frame and the other doesn't, that matters quite a bit too. It should be feel nicer as well as being lighter. (But double butting only matters if the bike really *does* feel that way to you!)

Don't forget that you've not stuck with the saddle or tyres or even stem that a bike comes with - you should almost normally expect to change the saddle to fit your own very personal ass...

You should change the stock brake pads to Kool Stop Salmons or Duals if you're going to ride in the rain.

The bike will probably be faster, brake and turn better, and be more comfortable with premium tyres - eg Sport Contacts or Marathon Supremes. See if you can get a discount on these for swapping back the stock tyres.

Im relatively new to biking too, and i juts got my first road bike a few weeks ago, a Diamondback insight 1. It has worked great so far, and i would recommend it to you if you are looking for a cheaper bike. Most stores have it for a base price of 399, but I ended up getting it for $335. I would definitely recommend it to you. and like others have said, MAKE SHURE it is the right size for you, it will make you much more comfortable. It is better to buy a lower end bike that is sized right for you than a higher level one that is too small or big.