Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I don't know much about bikes and haven't been on a bike in about 10 years. I would like to get one for some light commuting and exercise. I want it for (1) commuting to work/school through a fairly urban area (about 7 miles round trip) and (2) some recreational riding, maybe a 5-10 mile ride a couple of times a week and a slightly longer one on the weekends, no more than 50 miles. Most of the riding would be on pavement (though the pavement is full of cracks and potholes where I live) and light dirt trails and bike paths. I am leaning towards a hybrid at this point. Without any experience, I am a bit nervous about road bikes and want to be able to do some light trail riding. But I don't plan to do any real mountain biking either, so a hybrid seems like a good alternative for a first bike. I cannot afford more than about $500 right now. So, I am looking at the following options from a few LBSs and am looking for any opinions/advice:
1. Trek 7000 ($410) or a 7100 ($460-ish, though I've heard the suspension wouldn't do me much good on this hybrid), on which I would likely put some semi-slick hybrid tires.
2. Specialized CrossTrail ($510) - unfortunately, the local dealer only has the women's version and I would have to commit to buying it before testing it
3. There is a LBS that deals almost exclusively in Jamis bikes, so perhaps a Jamis hybrid if they have one in my price range.
Also, any other advice on what I should get before starting out? Helmets? Gloves? Any other equipment?
Thanks!