Bike purchase advice

In article <[email hidden]>,

richzip said:

Would a hybrid bike be good for this type of use? How about a hardtail
bike, in case I do decide to go on some slightly rougher terrain?

A good hybrid should be able to handle moderately steep and rocky trails,
but not as easily (or as fast) as a mountain bike. If you're serious
about off-road riding, a mountain bike is a better idea. The hybrid
will be lighter weight and more efficient on paved roads.

Quoted message said:

What brands are recommended? Does anyone have experience with the Trek
4300 or 3900? My budget is no higher than the mid-400's.

Trek, Specialized, and Giant all make decent quality low-end mountain
bikes and hybrids. Trek also makes mountain bikes under the Klein
and Gary Fisher brand names (don't know if any of those are in your
price range). Find a good shop that can help fit the bike to you.

Quoted message said:

I am looking to buy a bicycle and would like advice. It's
been well over 10 years since I've regularly used a bicycle.

Start easy, and buy a good quality used bike.

Quoted message said:

I will mostly use a bike on roads, and bike paths around town
--but may eventually want to go out and do some mountain bike
riding, possibly more moderate terrain.

Would a hybrid bike be good for this type of use?

Yes. You may eventually want a mountain bike for off-road, though.

Quoted message said:

What brands are recommended? Does anyone have experience with
the Trek 4300 or 3900?

My wife had a Trek 3900, a good bike for her until our daughter borrowed
it, and it was stolen.

Quoted message said:

My budget is no higher than the mid-400's.

I believe we paid about $350 for my wife's Trek.

--
"Bicycling is a healthy and manly pursuit with much
to recommend it, and, unlike other foolish crazes,
it has not died out." -- The Daily Telegraph (1877)

My wife bought an aluminum framed Trek hybrid for something like $200.
I was frankly amazed at how good a bike you can get these days for so
little money (thank you, Chinese slave labor). It had an aluminum
frame and twist shifters, plenty good for short rides and getting back
into cycling.

Anyway, I'd strongly suggest getting a very cheap hybrid, ride it for a
few months to get your fitness back, and then look at something nicer.
You'll have a better idea of what you want, and as long as you don't
abuse it, you can probably resell the hybrid and recover most of the
cost.