Greetings all.
I have lurked here for some time seeking information to help with my first bike purchase in forever. Having taken the benefit of multiple such threads, I didn't want to add another "What bike should I buy?" entry. But since all take and no give is no good, I offer this modest contribution at the end of the process rather than the beginning.
My last bike (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, road bikes were known as "10 speeds" and mountain bikes did not exist) was stolen from my garage at the age of 16. I learned to drive shortly thereafter and forgot about bikes quite completely. Fast forward to the cusp of 50 and I wanted to get back in the saddle both for the sake of general fitness and to spend time with my 11 year old daughter who loves to ride.
Our neighborhood is very bike-friendly, to say the least. Bike lanes bracket all the major roads and there is an extensive network of gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. Since I neither planned to fling myself down the side of a steep rock-strewn hill nor pretend to win the Tour-de-France, I settled upon a hybrid as my general target and went to a number of local bike shops to check out the various offerings. I settled on this bike for the staggeringly simple reason that I liked it best - both in terms of aesthetics (not fond of bright glossy colors) and feel.
Obviously, I lack any frame of reference to offer any comparative comments, and no doubt there are any number of bikes at this price point that are just as good in objective terms. But I can say that I absolutely freakin' love this thing. Comfort and confidence over multiple surfaces and in varied conditions is what I sought and received in this bike. The one aspect that stands out the most is how quickly this thing jumps off the line from a dead stop. Seems like a barely start pedaling before I have already built up a good turn of speed.
The one downside was the rock hard standard seat. Not very butt-friendly. The staff at the shop suggested it was something I would get used to - and that may prove true - but something with more comfort would get me riding more often and for longer stretches while my butt recalibrates to the whole experience. I requested and received a seat that most closely approximates my rec room couch, and posterior discomfort is now a thing of the past. This choice (in combination with the gasp - kickstand!) did force me to endure a good deal of mocking from my "serious road bike" friends - but when I pointed out the irony of grown men wearing spandex shorts and displaying shaved legs mocking anyone for any reason, it quickly dried up.
Anyway - here it is. Thanks to the unnamed multitude who unknowingly helped me out.
