Quote Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl View Post
To be really honest, its going to be hard for you to spend any less, and really find out if you enjoy cycling. If you go too cheap (read dept. store bike) it will be heavy and difficult to tune, which is a recipe for disaster: you'll end up thinking you don't enjoy cycling when you very well might with the right equipment. I think you need to budget a minimum of $600 for a new entry level 'bike shop quality' bike, which is why buying from one of the gals here on TE with used bikes will probably give you the most bang for your buck if the sizes are suitable, and give you the longest term of use before you'll feel the need to upgrade. Many of us now own bikes worth thousands of dollars which I know must be hard for you to fathom now, but I view it as an investment in my long term health and happiness.
EYIKES.

Last year's models of Trek hybrids are going around $300 locally. I think that's my entry price. As for spending thousands of dollars on a hobby, well, I spend that sort of cash on my horse/riding. Biking will only be my SECOND hobby.