some bikes I'll be trying out tomorrow

[Zech Marquis]

I have found several bicycles I'll be taking for a spin tomorrrow morning. Here they are:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_8/601-7467347-5883356?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0006UMMK0

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=413

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_2/601-7467347-5883356?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0001M2AV4

Now there is a local bike shop right across the street from my job, and they carry mainly the Raliehg product line of bikes. Kind of pricey though...but I will be willing to spend some good money on the Schwinn S-25. So any suggestions would be appreciatd--as well as any suggestions for bike dealers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia :-)

[Wickerman]

1. of the 3, go with the Frontier

you'll find the extra $ worth it, if you can swing it. Stuff is just going on model year end sale here in Minnesota and from what I hear the 2006's are going to be more expensive OR have lower quality parts. I say buy a 2005 and get more for your $.

Have you checked out Specialized or Giant yet? Or Trek?

[flvegan]

2. Check out this site before you buy:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/xc_hardtail/

This seems to be the category of bike you're looking at.

Personally, I'm a Gary Fisher man. My Sugar is my sweetheart.

Giant makes good bikes as well, and the lower end Trek's should be in your price range.

[frylock]

3. i'd be reluctant to spend under $300 on a bike myself..

and even that's a little low. The last bike I had lasted me for over 12 years of hard riding. I'm sure it's not within your budget to spend more than the price of the bikes you've posted, but a purchase like this should be thought over carefully. You might consider checking craigslist for a used ride.

[Zech Marquis]

4. that's the issue

This will be my first bike, so i don't want a no name of course. At the same time, I don't want to be spending like $300 or above when I'll be just cmmuting and going arond my imemdiate area (within 5 miles or so to begin with).