Congrats on wanting to ride... and for wanting to get back in shape!

Before you buy a bike... sit down and really try to determine what you want to do on the bike.

Do you want to ride off road? Or do you want to ride on the road? Off road... get a mountian bike. On the road... a road bike.


Is this going to be something *serious* for you? Or just casual?

Serious... spend some money on a good bike (I have a TREK 1000, which is a great entry level bike, and I have seen the 2004 models on sale for $600).

Casual... get a bike from WalMart (or some discount store)... or get an inexpensive road bike to tool around the neighborhood... or get a hybrid to cruise around on.

Best of luck to you! Good job on doing your research and not just rushing out and buying on impulse!