What bicycle should I get?

Question

I need a bike for school in the fall, The campus has hills everywhere you turn and parking is a nightmare. Flooding is also a huge problem. I need a bike that is easy enough to move around town (3-5 mi every day) and which will allow me to carry my books, notebook, and groceries. Does anyone know any good bicycles under $400?

Also I do not want a Mountain bike.

Answer 1

Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise;...Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike.

By Bicycling Staff

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Bicycling & Mountain Bike reviews  

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/channel/0,...

Answer 2

whatever kind you decide to choose, keep in mind it is difficult to ride with a backpack or a bag with books and what-nots. Choose a bike that can have a rack attached in the back. It is great to strap bulky, heavy things on the rack.

On bike type suggestions:

one step above mountain bikes is a hybrid. Picture a mountain bike frame with larger diameter wheels and fenders. They make you sit more upright resulting in a more comfortable ride. You can buy aftermarket racks and fenders. The wheels are tall enough you can roll through flooded areas. The fenders will protect you from the water splashing off your tires. They are sporty enough to hit some paved trails.

The other is the comfort/city bike. The bikes look like what everyone rode back in the '50s. More relaxed in cycling with wider tires. They don't have all the gears like mtn/road bikes. They might max out around 7 speed. These too you can attach aftermarket parts.

This is my suggestions, keep in mind it has to be something comfortable for you. I provided couple of links below so you can get some ideas: