Originally Posted by SlimRider

At your pricepoint, I'd stick with a rigid fork. After you've trimmed down and developed an appreciation for the sport, you just might get the yearning for a road bike. That's where the major investment should be applied. Meanwhile, I think that this entry level hybrid will suffice for now. I will therefore, recommend the following:

The Diamondback Insight ~ $400
www.rei.com/product/832975/diamondback-insight-hybrid-bike-2012-special-buy

The 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 ~ $600
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1093964_-1_400316

The Jamis Coda Sport ~ $560
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_bk.html

Good Luck!

PS.

You can't beat REI's 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you keep your receipt and say, five years down the road something goes wrong with your bike, you can either get a total refund, or full credit for an exchange.

The rei outlet is rei's online store...