Help me choose a bike please
 

I recently got my 2 year old a running/balance bike (he really LOVES it), and its made me want to get a bike too. I'm 30 and haven't ridden a bike since I was like 15, so I need something that will be good for a beginner. I plan to use it on mostly concrete trails and the occasional smooth dirt path. I will probably only ride occasionally (around once/week for a half hour or so) so I only want to spend $150 to $200.

I rode my husbands 8 year old Specialized Hardrock today and it was frightening, but fun. I felt like it was going too fast and kept using the hand brakes to slow down, not sure if it's just 'cause its been so long since I've ridden a bike or that it is a faster bike than the huffy 10 speed I rode as a kid :) The gears were confusing to me, but I fiddled with them to make it tolerable. It's also too big for me as I'm 5'7" and he's 6'0".

Anyway, any suggestions? I found this bike online: http://www.strollers.com/Schwinn-S2645-YZ1058.html but can't find any reviews for it.

Raleigh and Giant have some hybrid bikes that you may want to look at. They are more comfortable than road bikes and have all-purpose tires that can go from side-wak to street to crushed limestone. Go see them at your LBS.

Tim C.

for what it is worth, I commute on a Raeigh C-200--which is middle of the road hybrid---
I did some upgrades on it but I put about 1500 miles a year on it. I also ride it for recreational purposes, as well.