Oh my...what have I gotten myself into!

[Grog]

I saw a Schwinn at Target (I don't do walmart either) called a hybrid bike. From what I read, it's good on paved roads and light trails. It's inexpensive, so it wouldn't be tragic if it got stolen or if I crashed it to bits. It has over 20 gears, I can't remember now exactly how many. Are there particular things to avoid if I'm going the retail store route?

Welcome to TE! It's wonderful that you want to start cycling. Don't worry about being slow, it's the best part of cycling. Embrace your inner tortoise.

Would you consider getting a used bike first? And then, once you know a bit more about your wants and needs, get a new bike at a specialty bike shop? (Or buy a better used bike.)

A concern for me is that retail store bikes are often pretty badly made, and can even be assembled wrong. The components are very cheap (don't be fooled by the word "Shimano," it encompasses a wide range of products) and the thing starts breaking down quick. Many parts cannot be replaced by standard bike parts because of the way the bikes are built. Obviously you can't go back to the store to get it repaired, they don't know a thing about bikes. Your riding experience gets unpleasant (and possibly unsafe) fast, so you're not very likely to keep riding. It's also unlikely that the store staff will be able to help you find a bike that actually fits you properly.

I've checked Craigslist in your area (don't know what city you're in but I checked Nashville) and there were lots of possibly reasonable options. You can put $150-200 on a used bike and get something that works a lot better than a brand new big-box-store bike. You can also get some help from a bike shop to fix it if needed (brakes, truing the wheels, etc.).

If the environment is something you're concerned about, it's also good to know that by buying a used bike you're recyling, and slowing down the production of disposable consumer goods (poor quality bikes) that take a lot of energy and materials to produce and transport, and that are seldom worth your hard-earned cash.

You can also go "bike shopping" at local bike shops, ask lots of questions, try bikes in the parking lot, and start learning more about bikes. It will make it easier to shop for a used one.

Good luck and, whatever bike you get, come back often!