What do I get?

[Grog]

Welcome to TE!

The suggestions above are pretty good. A Trek 7.1 (fx or not) or equivalent might very well suit your needs as a beginner. I suggest that you find a real bike shop (a shop that only sells bikes... not a general sports store or a department store) and ask for help. Find a place that's taking you seriously and making you feel comfortable. (Maybe folks from Chicago can recommend places?) Even in the entry-level range there are big differences between bikes: some put your more upright, others in a more "aggressive" sport-y position. Try a few, you'll see for yourself.

Please stick around, we're looking forward to your riding stories.

[wackyjacky1]

I was instantly drawn to my Trek 7.2 FX from the moment I saw it (love at first sight? ). It's kind of a do-it-all bike: I commute with it, go to the grocery store with it, and take longer weekend rides with it. I have not taken it on any trails, but I imagine it could handle an easy trail (the tires are puncture-resistant 700x35).

[Becky]

Some good recommendations here already. I suggest that, if you're planning to commute to work, you look for a bike that has mounts for a rear rack. Being able to carry a change of clothes, lunch, etc. on the bike is much more comfortable than carrying it on your back IMO!

There are lots of choices when it comes to "hybrid bikes", because a hybrid can be a lot of different things, depending on geometry, gearing, tires, etc. Anywhere from a road bike with a straight handlebar to something more like a comfort bike. Personally, I'm not a big fan of suspension forks on hybrids, so I'd look for something like the Fuji Absolute series: http://www.fujibikes.com/LifeStyle/R...bsolute30.aspx Similar to the Trek FX series and the Specialized Sirrus series.

I'd go ride a whole bunch of different bikes at different shops. Ride different types of bikes just to get a sense of how they feel. A good salesperson IMO should ask you what kind of riding you do, where you ride, how long you ride (or plan to), etc. in order to get a good picture of you as a rider. The right commuter bike for me may not be right for you, and that's ok.

Good luck with your search, and let us know what you bring home!