http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/30/whats-a-hybrid-bike-and-why-would-i-want-one.htm A hybrid bike combines best of both worlds –sturdiness and comfort of a mountain bike, but with more lightness (in weight) and speed (more than mountain bike). Tires are not as knobby nor as fat as mountain bike. But hybrid bike tires aren’t as skinny as racing bikes, hence you don’t feel paranoid going over railway tracks or streetcar tracks.

Try lifting the bike..to test the lightness of the bike also.

http://www.venusbikes.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=sizecharts_bikes.htm This illustrates proper positioning on bike. Please look at the slight bend of the knee in the illustration. When you are seated on bike, only the toes of your foot should touch ground, not flat foot. That means the bike/saddle is too low. It might feel safer to start off with seat lower, but your knees will feel “tight” and over a longer distance your knees will get killed.

When I become more familiar with a new bike that fits me and become a stronger rider, I actually raise my seat a tiny bit, so that my legs have more overall room to turn the pedals..but still with my legs slightly bent when riding comfortably.

In the above illustration, a bike too long, means the distance between saddle and handlebar is too long and a woman’s body is overstretched.

It would also help that you have handlebar set that can be adjusted at different angles. It’s ok to have shoulder width, dancer. I doubt your shoulders are as wide as a football player. When you are riding the bike, your arms should have a slight bend at the elbow, so that it is not stiff and when bent slightly, can take the bumps on road. I'm sure dancer you know how important it is for any sport, for the body to be alert, but limbs bent/at ease in any position in any sport.

Any experienced cyclist cannot stress enough the value of a properly fitted bike..otherwise people won’t ride the bike again. Your body will thank you for it and you will want to bike more often / further when you have bike where your body is relaxed and having fun.

Of course, going up hills is a challenge. Always try on quiet route with hills. This is where gears are helpful.

I’m not promoting any brand. REI is a sporting goods and clothing U.S. chain that has stuff for all sports for everyone. I ‘ve given illustrations of hybrid bikes below.
http://www.rei.com/product/760846
http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/ca/bikes/bikes_series_city.php


There are also folding bikes…for taking into car or onto bus/train easier. An option for yonuh or humlan...one day.
http://www.en.r-m.de/products/productfinder/faltgenie/birdy/ My partner has one. (He has 3 bikes: also a hybrid, he also has touring bike which has dropped down curved handlebars.) I’m almost tempted. Look at how convenient this is, abit pricey but you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSWrI3ID...laynext_from=PL


I actually have 3 bikes. (My first bike at 31 after not biking for many years, costed me $350.00CAN. Probably put on over 30,000 kms. over 9 yrs. on bike –all over town, bike trips and to work. I gave that to a sister which…I borrow whenever I visit my family every few years. :D) Right now, I have a beat up, used hand mountain bike..which was bought when I visited my partner when he lived and worked in Calgary for 2 yrs. I would leave the bike there at his place. It’s too small for me but I wanted something cheap and doesn’t have enough gears for me to deal with hills. (only 12 speed) But I keep it for guests. 2nd bike is hybrid and I used for about 5 years but always found it abit too big and whole gearing ratios abit sluggish. My 3rd bike is a hybrid, is my lightest bike (aluminum frame), has medium width tires and not knobby and fits me best. I ride best on it. I paid $700.00CAN. That was nearly 3 yrs. ago. The first day I got onto that bike after buying it, I went nuts. I rode 90 kms. that day.

Remember we don’t own any car. So bike buying to us, is still a whole lot cheaper than frequent car travel. Besides, we don't pay any fitness club fees. Fun and fitness just integrates naturally when going grocery shopping, chores etc. ...By the way, ask if the bike style will allow one to install a bike rack at the back (a bike store can tell you)....IF you should ever get motivated to do light errands with bike bag on the bike rack. You won't want to wear a knapsack on back. Too hot/heavy.

Would I ride a beach cruiser? ...well in all honesty only for a few kms. and on totally flat land. If you think about it, a bike with no gears is for a strong competent/fit bike rider. The bike rider has no gears to help them go up and down hills. There are is a fun cult of bike owners/riders who have fixies...bikes that have no gears...and no hand brakes, you just use your foot. Really for adults, that takes serious overall fitness. Children of course, don't know any better.

Do yourself a favour, take time to try and shop around for a bike that fits with gearing. It can take months....meanwhile you can save up some money for the bike you want.

And buy a U lock for bike. Otherwise you frequently worry about it ..