BG Shopping: Bicycle Edition

[Acevalefor]

I am in need of a new bicycle after 2 years of not having one. I have about $500 and have no idea where to start. I live in Portland which has about 1 bike shop for every 2 people. There are more bike shops than there are Starbucks. This leads to much confusion and no idea who is being a slick salesman and who is giving me honest advice for purchasing the right bike. So I turn to BG. None of you have anything to gain by upselling me so <Help me out!> <Please>.

I want something sturdy as I weigh about 200 lbs. and don't want a flimsy 7 lb street bike.
I trail ride (Forest Park!) as well as street ride.
Anything else? I looked at http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...18012.12458051
but I have no idea if this brand is any good or not. Reviews are all over the place as always with retail brands.

[Cream Soda]

What do you want the bike for? Purely recreation or also for travel?

I'd recommend a hybrid minimum if you're planning to use the bicycle for traveling at all. Mountain bikes absolutely suck for travel. What kind of trail is it? Do you have pictures? If a hybrid can handle the trail, then I'd go for a hybrid. Mountain bike may be better for the trail, but if you're using for traveling, too, then the hybrid would be best overall

[Fhqwghads]

Whichever bike CS recommends, don't get it. He's a "get hit by a car while riding a bike" magnet.

[Cream Soda]

I've only been hit 4 times (major); and 6 total (if you count being nipped/clipped, but no damage to me or the bike and in both cases not even falling off the thing)

[Acevalefor]

What do you want the bike for? Purely recreation or also for travel?

I'd recommend a hybrid minimum if you're planning to use the bicycle for traveling at all. Mountain bikes absolutely suck for travel. What kind of trail is it? Do you have pictures? If a hybrid can handle the trail, then I'd go for a hybrid. Mountain bike may be better for the trail, but if you're using for traveling, too, then the hybrid would be best overall

The trails are pretty choppy. Forest Park has mostly dirt/gravel trails mixed with a few paved trails. Link here: http://www.forestparkconservancy.org...rail-projects/
Most of my riding will be on the streets and I will use the bike for commuting. There is a lot of hill climbing around here so a lighter bike without getting flimsy is preferred.

[Cream Soda]

Doesn't sound too bad; I'd definitely recommend a hybrid (even if it did end up being bad, you could always get a pair of mountain bike tires for your hybrid). Hybrid frame should be sturdy enough for you without sacrificing nearly as much speed or being nearly as draining as trying to commute with a mountain bike.

As far as the bikes go, I'd check craigslist first. You can usually find bikes much cheaper and getting a used bike (assuming it's in good condition when you get it) will last a long time. Walmart bikes last for 3-4 months; a reputable brand, a bike from the 70's/80's will still run perfectly today.

[Acevalefor]

Found one! I looked on CL and found one that was pretty much new just a few blocks away. It was a christmas present and the kid wanted money for an XBOne. It's a Nishiki Manatoba 26" hybrid. Nothing special but it will work well for what I plan. $300 for a bike that retails at $400. I'll post pics after class. Thanks for the tips CS.

[Cream Soda]

No problem