What's better - a Ford, a Chevy or a Dodge? Like cars, bikes are a personal choice. The best bike is the one that you can afford and that fits you the best and feels comfortable riding. Here is a little tidbit that most people do not know. If you look at bikes at a shop and like the bike, look at the manufacturer's label (usually on the down or seat tube by the bottom bracket). On some bikes it may be stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket (chromoly and aluminum frames). If it has Taiwan on it, its a Giant made frame and most likely, so is the fork. If this is the case, you may want to look into a Giant as they are usually less expensive than the frames they make for their competitors. I found this out after I bought both of my Giants from my LBS and talking to a Giant rep. I don't want to start a brand war here or mention the names of the companies that they make frames and forks for, but Giant is the second largest manufacturer of bicycles in the world, second to a company in Beijing (who now makes frames and forks for Cannondale).

But putting all that aside, visit the LBS's several times and test ride the bikes as much as you can, then pick the one that you feel most comfortable on and is within your price range. Don't go for one bike being prettier than the other because pretty doesn't make the bike go faster nor does it make the ride more comfortable. Another thing to consider is the components on the bike. Which has the better drivetrain and which type of shifter are you most comfortable with (assuming the bikes have different types of shifters). I have grip shifters on my hybrid and find that I can shift it much easier and faster than trigger shifters. I can drop or climb across more gears in one motion with a grip shifter and you can't do that with a trigger shifter. Also, which bike has the smoothest ride. When you buy a bike, you shouldn't have to buy new tires for it because the ones on the bike are rough riding. Some shops will swap them out for you at no charge for tires that are of equal value but most shops won't and you take home what's on the bike.

Since you are not buying on an impulse, make a list of pros and cons for each bike that you ride and take the list with you and compare it to the next bike you ride and so on. Five hundred dollars for a bike is a cheap bike for those that spend thousands, but to others it's very expensive. So, make sure you get exactly what you want the first time as it will save you money in the long run. Good luck with your hunting and enjoy your purchase.