Hello,

I'm buying my first bike as an adult. I've been doing research online as to what kind of bike I should get (looks like a hybrid) and how much I should spend. I'll mainly be doing city/bike path riding (2/3 times a week), but I also want to go do 'trail' rides (both paved and dirt roads) once in a while. I'm on a budget, can only spend about $300.

So, I'm wondering whether I should $300 in new a bike or $200 on an used one. I went to MetroBicycles today, and the guy recommended the Trek 7000, which they have for $280. He said it was a good bike that I could use for up to 80 miles a day. I also called a bike shop in Montclair, NJ and told the guy what I was looking for. He said that they had bikes for under and around $300, but that I should really try to spend $400 in a better bike. He recommended the Trek 7.2 FX, which they have for $350, whereas Metrobicycles has it for $400. However, Metrobicyles is much more convenient for me in the long run, so if I buy the Trek 7.2 FX I'd do it there, or some other Manhattan store.

I wonder why the Montclair guy told me to get a more expensie bike whereas the Metrobicucle guy didn't. Was he just looking for mor eprofit? Or, Would there really be that much difference between the Trek 7000 and the Trek 7.2 FX? Another bike I've been thinking of is the Schwinn Sierra GS, which came out as the best comfort bike according to Condumer Reports, and they have it at $330 in Metrobicycles.

Also, I wonder if spending 150-200 for a used bike might get me something better. I'm going to Recycle a bicycle in Brooklyn to check out what they have.

Sorry for the long post. I'll apprecciate any help anyone can give me, thanks so much!!!