Hello. I’m new to the forums and joined primarily because this group comes across very knowledgeable and appear to be willing to help the biking newbie. I’ve searched the forums and the thing that hit me hard is how many options there are here. I was trying to avoid this post because I’m sure it gets asked all the time but struggled to find anything that fit what I’m looking for. If I missed the right post I apologize.

So I’m in the market for a new bike and have done a little research and think I’m more confused now than I was previously. There is a local bike shop in town but I’m struggling to put as much money down on a bike as they are suggesting and really wanted a second opinion from this group. I’m being pushed towards $700 and up products. I don’t have a major issue with that but again given that I’m new to this world I don’t want to jump in without some second opinions. Other than the LBS we have all the same big box retailers which I would prefer not to buy from.
I’m looking for a bike mainly to help maintain fitness levels and ride to work on those rare days I’m allowed to wear jeans. I run about 20-25 miles a week for fitness but want to include biking as a way to ease some stress on my joints but still be able to maintain a good level of cardio. I live in a city that is very running/walking/biking friendly so during the summer a bike could be used as a primary means of getting around. Due to my job this means I would only use my bike as a means of transportation Fri-Sun. I live in the upper Midwest so bike riding season is about April-September and I do not plan on doing any riding at all when the weather turns cold and absolutely no winter/snow riding.

My wife is not a runner but I can get her on a bike from time to time so bonus there. 95% of all my riding will be on roads or well groomed trails (there is a route to work that is an unpaved walking/riding path). There are some bike trails nearby I would be interested in checking out but expect no serious trail riding or anything that would be considered rough riding. Basically if you could picture it on a website for mountain biking I won’t go on it. I have no intentions of racing or using the bike for anything other than weekend commuting figure no more than 20 miles a day Fri-Sun. Last consideration I know nothing about bikes other than they have 2 wheels. I doubt I will be doing much maintenance on the bike itself (Thankfully the LBS does servicing) so a bike that does not require weekly/monthly work would be huge if such a thing exists.

So the question is what bikes (If any) check all the following categories?

• Solid fitness bike
• Could be a commuter a few times a week
• Ability to handle light trail duty just for fun
• Good solid all-rounder with as little upkeep as possible

So here is the dilemma that I’m facing. What kind of bike should I be looking at? What kind of price point will allow me to get a bike that meets the above criteria? Any brands I should be looking at or staying away from? Am I even providing the right info or asking the right questions?