Advice on Bike purchase

Hi Bike lovers,

I am a rookie when it comes to bike technicalities and want to purchase a bike. I have a few options and I need advice on which one to purchase.
Please go through them at these links and kindly leave your comments as to the best among them vis-a-vis the price.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&productId=1127692

http://www.costco.com/Diamondback-Edgewood-Hybrid-Men's-Bike.product.100090518.html

http://www.costco.com/Diamondback-Wildwood-26%22-Classic-Men's-Sport-Comfort-Bike-.product.100082568.html

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/ProductCompareView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&categoryId=400863&parent_category_rn=400345&top_category=400345&searchTerm=&compareList=1127679%2C1128790%2C1127692%2C1149505

http://bikeshopwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/BSW_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=225

Thanks.

DUBB.

 

So what are you planning to do on this bike that you intend to purchase?

I know, ride it. But ride it where, how far, on what kind of roads, or no roads?

 

Thanks Oldbobcat, I intend to commut short distances say a mile or two back and forth from school but I also plan on developing the habit of cycling as an exercise and past-time so I might end up using it to do some longer distances. Worthy of noting too, is that most of the roads here are bad and have pot holes. Not much off-road but who knows where a bike trip might take me!

Thanks again.

DUBB.

 

That helps. I vote for the Fuji with the big wheels. It's rugged enough for easy off-road duty and and the big wheels will make commuting more pleasurable. The Diamondbacks you listed are pretty much for poking around on bikepaths.

You sound as if you're new at this, so if you're having this bicycle shipped, please take it to a shop for assembly and proper tuning.

 

A quick question, which is of higher quality, a steel frame versus an aluminum? I came across this http://bikeshopwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/BSW_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=326 how does it compare to the Fuji 29er. Thanks

 

A quick question, which is of higher quality, a steel frame versus an aluminum?

 

SOME steel bike frames are much better than any aluminum bike frame ...

Some steel bike frames may NOT be as good many aluminum bike frame.

YOU should choose the frame which has the geometry AND fit which suits you ...

You can-and-should factor in your aesthetic sensibilities.

 

This is a comfort oriented bike path bike, and its overall quality is a notch below the Diamondback hybrids you listed.