Avid Bicycle Riders?

I am interested in buying myself a bicycle as a gift for Christmas. Can anyone out there tell me a good brand/particular model that they have had success with. Also, what is the rider weight limit for your model? I don't want to buy a bike if I the tires are going run flat when I plop down on the seat. Should I wait? Any ideas?

I got the TREK hybrid as suggested by the salesman and it held me up at almost 400lbs for a couple years, they have a great seat with hydralics. It is called the Navigator and is online.