Quote Originally Posted by Aussiemum View Post
Well actually haven't ridden for a real purpose for a long long time. I am 5'8" and 180 lbs and am thinking of riding to work (2.5 miles each way). Not far, but it is getting me out of the car and getting me fit. So the Trek bike store near me has recommended a women's design fx 7.2 (17") for $494. I test rode it and it seemed fine. Just hesitating because $494 is a lot of money and want to make sure I am making right choice. Any comments?
Several companies make similar bikes with a similar price point. The Trek is a perfectly fine choice and you are getting it lower than list price, which I believe is $550. The Specialized Vita base model lists at $500 and my LBS has it for $450. That also is a nice bike. The cannondale quick 5 is listed at $550, maybe available for about $500. Giant has the Escape, base model at $470 and one up from there at $530. The base Trek FX is the 7.1 with a list price of $450. I think that it is worth going up to the 7.2.

All decent and somewhat similar bikes. Try riding a few and see what you like the best.