I'm looking into buying a road or hybrid bike that won't break the bank if you know what I mean... But is there such thing...?
If so, please direct me. I thought about purchasing one on Bikesdirect.com but after months of researching, it doesn't seem like a good idea.

Fine.. Don't share your knowledge lol

I wouldn't buy a bike online if you're serious about riding. The knowledge a local bike shop can provide is well worth any extra costs. Proper fitting is key, and you will see the benefits in the quality of your rides. Not sure where you live, but I'd recommend the bicycle outfitter in Los Altos. Not only do they specialize in road bikes, they offer free weekly classes on bicycle maintenance and repair. The classes alone will save you the money that you might save by buying online. Good luck!

Thanks Josh! I'll check it out.. Just wish it wasn't soo much to buy a bike..

I bought my hybrid at sports authority for 500.00

I really like the TREK's I have had over the years.  They are great, and I believe they have some somewhat affordable models... look for a local bike shop that carrys Trek's.  :)   Also, Josh is spot on re. local bike shops vs. online!

Thanks guys!!

+1 about what Josh said about proper fitting. Go to your local bike shop(maybe 2 or 3 shops) and get fitted. Road bikes and hybrids are very different.

Yeah, I think I'm a 48 or something like that lol

I bought a bike online and sort of regret it.  The store didn't have the model I wanted to try before buying it. They had a return policy, but if you got so much as a tiny ding, you couldn't return it for full $$.  Which, given that bikes are outdoors and not in a vacuum, happens.  I still have it and ride it, but it leaves some things to be desired.

Jamis has some cheap hybrid bikes that I was looking at as well.  La Dolce Velo in SJ carries some of them, I think, and sometimes they sell the overstock for cheaper.

Thanks Kes!
And Stuart no thanks. I rather not have a bike stolen by Meth heads.

Craigslist If you already have an idea of what you're looking for. It's also cost effective. If not, visiting a store like Sports Basement would be best so they can help with picking a bike that suits you best.

I totally agree with Josh. Always go to a shop to buy and get fitted, they will also help teach you about posture, and which bike is exactly right for you. Also, I would recommend getting a low-end Trek, cause they are durable, affordable, and lightweight. The series 1 or 1.1 is a good place to start.

Thanks everyone!! Even you Stuart! Lol
I've tried CL but they never seem to sell any in my size. I swear I should just get a kids bike! Buy I will definitely continue shopping around the locals :)

Does anyone here works at a bike shop? Give me a deal I can't refuse!!

Go to Fast Bicycles or Bicycle Express.

Never buy a bike online. You're gonna look at spending $500ish for a quality intro bike.
If you think you're going to walk away spending little to nothing...you can. Just go buy a bike at Walmart or Target. But, you get what you pay for: poor welds, poor parts, and heavy as hell.

I recommend buying a Felt or Giant. Those two brands are great for intro riders. If you wanna spend more, go buy a Trek or Specialized. And if you have a taste for luxury, go get some Italian/Import bike.

Be warned...once you get a bike, you're gonna get bit by the bug and you'll eventually wanna go buy something waaay better.

I bought two bikes from Fast Bicycles FYI. Also, Sports Basement in SV is dope too.

Nice! Thanks Vic! Sounds like you know what you're talking bout :D

Now I'm debating if I wanna spend money on a bike or another tattoo first... Siiiiiiiggggh* decisions decisions..

I'm a novice bike commuter and I got a lot of helpful information from local bike shops.  They can steer you in the right direction.  I wore out my Target Schwinn bike and got a Trek.  What a difference!  Every bike shop I went to had deals on their 2012 bikes so now might be a good time.

When I was first in the market for bikes, I was also considering Bikes Direct. I got turned off by bad reviews about crappy workmanship though. I also would've had to put it together myself, which was fine, but for fine tuning everything I didn't have the tools or the knowhow.

If you know somebody who works at a bike shop, that's probably your best bet if you can get a discount. My brother worked at a shop and got me a pretty decent bike - a Specialized Crosstrail Sport ($650 MSRP) for 40% off. Yikes. Either bike shops have a huge markup, or they really liked him there.

But even if you can't get a discount, a bike shop is still your best bet. They can help you find a bike that fits your needs and matches your budget. Pay attention to things like how many gears it has (the more you have, the better.. but anything over 21 doesn't make as much of a difference), whether it has grip shifters or trigger shifters (entry-level trigger generally work better than entry-level grip), whether things like the seat height and handlebar angle are adjustable if you're looking for a comfort bike, etc.

If you want just any run of the mill bike, Target or Walmart is probably fine. Schwinn at Target is a recognized name, even though they're not the same company they were 20 years ago, but I feel like they're still ok for entry level. Trek is a step up from Schwinn. It really depends what you're looking for.

I'd like to point out that light weight is a tradeoff.  With a steel bike you get a smoother and more solid ride, and if you're not going to have to pick it up and bring it on the train or carry it up stairs, it's not that big of a deal .

With a lighter bike (aluminum, carbon fiber), the ride is much more jolty and jostling unless you're willing to pay $$$$ to get fancy extras.  Granted, less chance for rust as well... but at the same time, you can get blown around in wind more because of the light weight. The quick responsiveness can be too quick at times as well because of the light weight.  Easy to accidentally swerve.

I think that for people who are new to riding bikes, as long as they don't have to carry it often, a steel bike is fine.  I bought an aluminum after having a steel frame, and I still ride my steel frame frequently because handles smoother and thus bothers my wrists less.

Just my two cents after 5 years of car-free living.

Car-free living?!?! Craaaay!!

A bikes are fitted to a person like a suit or dress.  If you never had one, you don't really know what to buy, what size, what alterations you may want.  Some people can buy off the rack but most will need something altered or adjusted.  You already mentioned most new/ used bikes are too big.  That's because most bikes are made for the ave male.  The better bikes will also have several frame sizes available.  A special smaller female designed bike is available but cost more $$ and are not available as used as much.  I would try a few bike stores to see what size and type of bike you may want and if it is a common size.  Then if one is in you price range (end of year sale?)  get it,  or start looking for a used one if you feel lucky.   Note: road bikes sb ~1 inch clearance and Mtb bikes ~4inch as a general guide, the store will tell you why,  but a casual rider can be more flexible on those numbers.   Also try different brands, they are not all the same and ride different, that's why mail order is not good unless you have tried one.

...and in CA where typically you need to hop on a freeway to go a few blocks... Double Craaaay!!

Linda, get your tattoo & I'll loan you my bike for awhile (oh wait it might be a bit big for you)... Sheit!... Trying to help you here!