I'm not a fan of hybrid bikes. I believe each type of bike has a purpose. You need to assess what you plan on doing then decide on the bike. If your plan is to travel short distance, stay on bike paths or off road trails and use the bike for limited exercise, then the hybrid is OK. If you are looking for a means to improve fitness, do moderate to heavy exercise then chose either a road or mountain bike, the MTBike to be use off road or on trails only.

There are lot of good, inexpensive road bikes and MTBikes out there. There are also alot of good used bikes out there. Maybe that's the ticket. If you have a local bike club, check their website. Folks are always buying and selling and outgrading their bikes. See if someone you know has a bike you can borrow. That's even better and cheaper. RIde ti for awhile she if the sport is for you and then decide to get a bike. Even paying $300 for a hybrid bike is wasted if you don't ride.