Need a bike...

[GreatDivide14]

...nothing fancy, two wheels that turn. I don't plan to leave the pavement often, but I don't plan on sticking to it constantly. I might even do a bit of actual mountain biking, although nothing beyond wuss level. Can I expect adequate durability from a hybrid, or should I plan on a real mountain bike?

Any recommendations on anything? Brands I can and can't trust, features that actually matter, how to gauge quality, what locks or combinations thereof I can use and reasonably expect it to be there after a few unsupervised hours in a college town? Any feedback is appreciated.

[Skyeward]

But I'll try to not to!

For you, I'd say any entry level mtn bike from a independent bike shop should do you fine. The reason I say "independent" is that bikes sold at department stores are basically crap, and when you buy a bike from a speciality shop, you know it will be assembled correctly, becuase the people who work there work on bikes for a living, instead of the guy at walmart who might just slap together that RoadMaster and then head back to the sporting good counter to pick his nose. The main features to look for are Shimano components, good welds on frames, thick crank arms, for starters. But good brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, Jamis, will give you waht you need to last a longtime with proper maintenence. All these companies sell their entry level mtn bikes for around $500. Giant probably gives the most bang for the buck. Now if this is too expensive you could go for a cross bike from one the same companies, that might run around $250. The true mtn bike is going to be "more durable" in the long run: stronger frame, tougher wheels, components etc. but for tottering around campus this really isn't an issue. Any well maitenenced bike will do fine here. But if you're even thinking about doing a little trail riding, chances are you're going to get hooked real fast, then you're going to wish you had that real mtn bike! Also, mtn bikes are just more fun to ride, IMO. Hooping curves, cutting across grass, gravel, i.e. taking the short cuts, is more fun with a little front suspension and fatter tires.

as an avid biker I have to restrain myself though! I enjoy doing anything on a bike, and am always trying to improve my skills where ever I am, hence the whole fun facter. Go try some bikes at your local shops, and see what feels right to you. Report back if you have more questions!

LOCKS. In a big college town i would go with a U-lock and a cable. Kryptonite locks actually come with a monetary garuntee for some of their locks, they make great locks! The u-lock is most secure, and you can buy a cable lock (or just a cable with looped ends) to secure the other wheel and your saddle.

Hope this helps, good luck in your search. Be careful though, you're about to plunge into a whole new relm of geadheadedness.

skyeward