[Z-man]

Guys - also don't forget -- I'm NOT getting a bike:
1. To ride once, hang on my wall, and brag to my friends about my expensive bike
2. To go hardcore on the trails
3. To ride coast to coast
4. To go on 50 mile trips at a time
5. To ride everyday

Primary use of the bike will be:
1. To ride to the tennis courts two miles away weely
2. To ride around town occasionally
3. To take to local parks and ride on paved and dirt trails.

IF I should get into biking more, I would certainly upgrade my bike. To put it into perpective -- it's like the Porsche enthusiast who is looking to get a Cayman for autocrossing and DE's, and winds up getting a 991 Cup car.

Its not necessarily about the price -- I can afford a more expensive bike -- but just like I don't need a 991 Cup car to drive the 2 miles to the tennis courts, I also don't necessarily need a fancy brand-name wizz-bang bike...

I know I need a larger frame. Skinnier wheels are good - as long as they aren't the skinny wheels I had on my old 12 speed racer. Decent components are helpful - like good Shimano gears. I thought a hybrid (no shocks front or rear), for around $300 is a good place to start.

As for used bikes - honestly, I know there are killer deals out there -- but I really don't have the time to go hunting for one, to be honest...

-Z