Hello all,

I'm rather new to these forums, and new to cycling in general. I haven't gotten on a bike in probably about 6 years. However, in the past couple years I've been more active in general, so I'm now looking into getting a bike and thought you all could help. Please excuse my ignorance to biking terms as I'm still learning everything. I hope I posted this in the right forum.

So I'd generally be using the bike for commuting purposes and getting around town, but if I wake up and want to ride a trail, I'd like the option to do that too. I've been going around town to many different cycle shops asking the opinions of the workers there. Some say get a hybrid, some say a hybrid will get too banged up on a trail. Those who say that say get a mountain bike, and put slicks on it whenever I'm going to be doing commuting. What do you all think? Thanks very much for your help.