I want a bike

I'm a 5'6" female, long legs, med. torso. I'm interested in getting a hybrid bike. Will go to a bike shop, but overwhelmed by all the choices and would like to narrow my choices down. Any suggestion on good brands or what I should be looking for?

Set a price range. I would suggest not spending too much on the hybrid, since you may want to eventually move to a road bike. There are many good brands out there. I like Trek and Fuji. Have fun and happy cycling.
Rob

ride before you buy.  Many shops will refund a rental or apply it towards a purchase if you buy from them.

Additionally, you may find a local bike fitter.  We have one local that has a machine where he can manipulate all of the pieces of the bike frame then based on those measurements, he can recommend which bike would be most likely to fit you.

I still recommend riding it, and ride it for more than just a ride around the block.  What feels fine on a paved city road might not feel as nice on a bumpy county road or a road with potholes etc.


Scott

Aside from all the great advice you have already recieved, I think you need to determine what type of terrain you ultimately want to be riding on. If it's roads, look into a road bike. If it's trails or offroad, a mountain bike would be the way to go. If it's a mixture of both, hybrid is the way to go. If it's triathlon, then obviously a time trial bike would be the ideal choice.

After you determine these items, then, as Rob suggested, set your price range, then go with comfort. Best of luck on your purchase! Cycling rocks!!!

Thanks for all the advice. I'm pretty sure I want a hybrid. We have tons of bike trails in my area, but I also want to be able to tool around the road. I don't know what a reasonable price to expect to pay is, but I'd like to keep it under $700 to start. I'll look into the brands that were mentioned. I'm going to go to a couple shops I just wanted to have a good starting point and some key shopping points before I spent my hard earned money.

Some thoughts...Trek 7100 or 7200, Raleigh Venture, or look into Giant.  Easy parts and service for all 3.  If you become addicted you will want to get a lighter bike.  It doesn't matter on flat roads, but pushing the weight up even a small hill will take a lot out of you.  So either buy cheap (maybe even used) and if you like riding, spend the bigger bucks on the lightest bike you can find.  Just saying weight does matter on hills...