[tadams72]

Watch Craigs List and local ads. A high percentage of people who decide to get into biking for the first time go out and spend a million bucks then ride a couple of times and put the bike in the garage for dust collection. Bottom line is you can get a great bike for much less money. Stay away from Huffy and the rest of the Wal-Mart brands. You will be rewarded with a less than great ride. Giant makes great bikes for the money and are probably the largest volume brand so generally cheaper for same quality as others. Highly recommend you go to a bike shop and test ride a few defferent brands/models/styles. You have to resist the sales pressure but then you will have a better idea what works for you. Get fitted so you know what size is most appropriate as you look around. Don't worry, you can burn plenty of calories when you get into it. I typically burn 1200 or so an hour on my bike and it is much lower impact than running which I gave up when age started to catch up.

To the other guy, roadie and mountain rider here. Started out on BMX over 30 years ago. Biking is biking and there are definitely arrogant road guys but the same can be said for the mtn riders (uh hmm). bottom line, enjoy what works best for you and be respectful regardless.

Good luck.