Newbie who wants to commute.

[ChrisR76]

This seems the place to post my question. I am looking to start commuting. I live in Pittsburgh, PA so my commute will be rather hilly. I will be riding 13 miles each way what should I be looking for? Every LBS I go to is telling me to go to the hybrid / fitness / flat handle bar road bikes is this my best bet. I am on a tight budget.
I kind of dig the road bikes they look fun and fast. I want something that is fast, and comfortable. I also want to ride on the weekends for fun. I have no idea what to look for please help.

I found a great 2004 Schwinn Fastback Sport for cheap would that work for me?

 

[reaz]

You're exactly in my situation a few days back. I went for a hybrid. I read quite a few posts here. It led me to believe that Hybrids were good enough for me now. If I do get into cycling long distances seriously, I'll consider road bikes.

I got myself a Trek 7.3 FX. It does not have a front suspension and it's a bit lighter than other Hybrids. It leans towards the road bike spectrum.