Needing some advice
 

I recently beat up and older decent Schwinn Mt Bike and all I really ride for now is on the streets and paved roads so I wanted something comfy with little maint. A few people recommended I look into a hybrid. I am a bigger guy 6'1 220 lbs and was looking for something in the 200-300 range either new or used anyone have some ideas for me or am I looking for something I can't find for that price ?
Thanks in advance

it's a nice (and cheap) option to look for a used hybrid as your first bike to see if you like cycling... i'd recommend getting a 2-3 year old trek fx series - this is their hybrid line. i've owned 3 bikes from the series and they're all great. you can find deals on these bikes for around $300ish.]

i'm 6'1" as well and can ride either their 20" frames or their 22.5" frames. personally, i feel better on the 22.5" so that's what i currently have. before you buy, get the size and take it for a test ride - you can also do this at the lbs. that way, you can see which bike/size you are more comfortable on.

Really well I know hardly anything but I thought I would want at least 24" or 26" but yeah need to try before the buy. With them at 22.5 are you hunched over riding at all or what. Thanks for all the advice by the way

since im 6'1", im not hunched over on the 22.5" that much - i mean it's a comfortable position for me. i did my first 28 mile ride on it this past saturday and i was fine...

when i had my 20" 7.2 fx, i felt a little "smushed" in the sense that the top tube was too short for my height, so i felt like i was riding a smaller bike for me... i would go to a bike shop and give both a 20" trek and a 22.5" model a test ride. when riding, focus on how you feel when you're holding the bars - do you feel cramped? too stretched out? do u think you can stay in that position for an hour or 2? it'll give you a better idea of which model is comfortable for you.

and i might be wrong, but i think the sizes you are mentioning are mountain bike sizes.... the sizes i am referring to are the trek model sizes. they vary per manufacturer (and so does the bike geometry). if anything, you can go to a bike shop and they'll suggest sizes for you in any brand you might be looking for.

cheers.

Awesome thanks so much for the advice have been looking for FX for a while to no avail yet

Went to the local show they didnt have any in just a 7100 felt good 20inch a bit cramped and it was 460 now just have to debate between the FX and this 7100

Is there a major difference in the 7.1 7.2 and so on ?

as you go up, the bikes get more expensive, the components get better and the weight decreases. that being said, i think the 7.3 is a good intersection of price and bang for the buck. it's a nice, light weight, great for commuting bc of the upright position (like all the fx series), and it's a cheap bike - more importantly - it's also cheap to maintain.

i plan on keeping my 7.3 for a very long time for these reasons. it's quick and nimble and can be used for a variety of functions. commuter bike, grocery getter, fitness, etc. i take frequent 11-mile rides on my 7.3 in the morning for a quick ~45 minute workout. perfect for my use.