is this the right bike for me & my needs? complete newbie :)

[withm]

I'd have to say it is a hybrid. If you look at the Trek 7300 page you will see that it comes in two versions. The regular (and it just so happens that I own this bike) and the WSD. The differences between the two are that one is made from Alpha black aluminum, and the other Alpha white aluminum. Alpha black (regular version) is formed, the white (WSD) is tubular in shape. The only other difference is the seat, which is such a personal preference item that it's likely to be changed out anyway.

Here is the "standard" version, (the one I have) with Alpha Black (formed) aluminum

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...0_series/7300/

Here is the WSD version, with Alpha White (tubular) aluminum, and different seat.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...eries/7300wsd/

Here are the two, side by side. If the regular design is a hybrid, I really don't see how you can suggest the WSD is not. After all, other than (well I was going to say "silly" but I guess some people like "cute" bikes) frame, it's the same bike.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/
At this link, select "7000 series," then click on "Compare," and then select the two different models to see them side by side.

And for the differences on Alpha "Black" or "White" aluminum:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/compa...lpha_aluminum/

Having said all that, as long as it's a good fit, your 7300WSD will be perfectly adequate for shorter rides, and as you become more proficient and want to do longer rides on a faster and lighter bike, by all means go out and look at road bikes, but keep the hybrid for those days when only a hybrid will do.

Martha