Hey all! I just got seriously into road biking this spring and now commute on my old road bike (a '77 columbia I got at a local LBS that specializes in used bikes) and ride the road on my Trek 1.2.

Dad has decided to get back on a bike. He has a really crappy bike right now, but has ridden enough to know he enjoys it again and would like to ride. He has had road bikes (that's how I fell in love with them) and mountain bikes, but really wants a hybrid. He wants to go look at bikes and asked me to recommend him where to go. Well, I could... if I knew what bikes and brands to look for. I am clueless with this. I don't do anything but drops and a more upright bike is not my specialty.

I can go with and help him get fitted and I am a mean bargainer (as evidenced by getting the 2010 model for the same price as the 2009), but I need some help!

What he is looking for:
multiple gears
upright handlebars
light enough (preferably aluminum) - I did explain to him that it will never be as light as mine
good for a small person (he's 5'5'' on a good day)
under $650.00

I know now is a good time to look because those 2011's are coming out and they need to move the 2010'a.

Anything you could recommend is great! Thanks!

The options are endless with that kind of budget. Schwinn has started producing pretty
good products for the money, at the big box stores. Do not know why, maybe the economy.
and the return policy at Walmart is fantastic, 90 days just keep the receipt, no question asked. They will require professorial adjustments after purchase, unless you can do them
yourself. I've been looking for a new Hybrid for my son, almost same hight, everything is geared around taller people. If your one of those people who need a brand name like, (well
I do not want to get started on that ), and your Dad is probably not going to start out in the 500 mile month club..and you will need to buy all the extras needed...Go with a lower end
entry level Bike. You can order site to store, and if it's not right, just return. It's that simple..
I wish I could offer you suggestions on particle bikes, but am looking for the same thing..
Due to height, I'm not bashing local LBS stores, just trying to help you get the right bike for
the right price. ( Proper bike fit makes all the difference in the world ) ....Good luck in your
search, maybe someone closer to your Dads size will chime in.... Richard

Specialized Sirrus.

i say the trek 7.2 fx for <450. the components work fine. it has the same frame found in $1600 bikes. it has 35 mm tires which corner better and are cushier than 28 mm tires. your dad will have less hand pain with the wider tires absorbing vibrations. i also like that the fx has handlebars that are not low (like some other hybrids). i wouldn't spend any more unless i'm getting a drive train with all deore shifters & derailluers but that's the 7.5 fx ($750). i suggest the 7.2 fx

Well, thanks for all the suggestions. We did quite the bike road trip today. Dad tried out some of the pricier bikes (Commuter) and some of the cheaper ones (Raleigh which was waaaaaay overpriced for what it was) and he found he liked the trek 7000 best. So, he ended up on the low end of his price ranger with a nice bike at my favorite shop. It was on sale, too. We switched out the stock saddle for something a little wider in the sit bones and put on a kickstand. They fit him and he got the 15. One shop told us he could probably do a 17 - hah! So, I was glad for him and he seems very happy.

The right bike for the person, always seems to jump out at you, hope your Dad loves it.
Thats what counts. Richard

Yup. He was happiest with that one and knew right from the first test ride, so it was meant to be. At least he knew right away. I have more trouble making decisions haha. The fact that he knew right away about the saddle, too, was very telling. He knew what he wanted!