Which bike? Help!

During the summer I loved hiking and running outdoors. However, after having my two big toenails removed (due to bruising the nail bed while hiking a mountain) I'm not going to be able to do too much of that while they heal. So, I'm wanting to switch my activities to biking, since that seems like the only outdoor activity I'll be able to do without putting too much pressure on the toes. Since I'm new to all this, I was hoping some people could give me advice/direction on what type and brand of bike to get. I'll be doing road/path biking, but it would also be nice to be able to use it on some easy mountain bike paths. Is there a type of hybrid bike that would be able to do both types of riding? My price range is going to be under 1K - I love getting the best value for the price (but would rather spend more to get quality, then paying less to get something cheap). Any and all help appreciated. Thank you so much!

Sounds like something along the lines of a Specialized Ariel would work pretty well for you:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...nuItemId=12188

Wide enough (and knobby enough) tires for some fireroad and gravel road type mountain biking, but still nice for paths and road fitness type riding. Somewhat of a "jack of all trades master of none" type bike, but it would be a good starter while you decide what you like (or will stay a very nice fitness type bike if cycling never becomes your number 1 passion)

A Kona Dew, Dew Drop, or Dew deluxe would also fit the bill.

Thanks MartianDestiny! The Ariel does look like exactly what I'm needing. :)