Can you guys help learn me Road/Comfort/rec/hybrid bikes? It seems like everyone has a different name for the same general style of bike. I'm looking for an upright riding position and a few gears. I've got a mountain bike right now, and it works fine but the riding position hurts my back.
I'd like to keep it under $500 if possible.
Depending on what you've got right now, you might be able to make things a lot more comfortable by just swapping in riser bars and maybe an adjustable or taller/shorter stem, plus some slick or near-slick tires. Hybrids are mostly mountain-geometry frames with 700c tires, so if you've got a MTB that fits you, and you don't mind 26" tires rather than slightly larger 700cs, you probably don't need to buy new.
I have one of these: Trek 7.1 FX
The frame is more road and less mountain. When I just want to ride for enjoyment, I use the 7.1 instead of my road bike. The stock saddle did not work for me and I put mountain bike bar ends on for more hand positions, but overall the bike works great.
I have several Treks and have been happy with them but will say that the other brands have similar bikes that are just as good. My brand preference comes from my great experiences at my local bike shop.
