lake compounce: I haven't ridden a bike in years but I now live close to downtown San Diego and want to start riding again. I don't know what type of bike to purchase. Mountain bikes seem popular, but off-road riding will probably be the least style initially.|||I'm voting a big 'thumbs down' on mountain bikes. Why? How many times will you truly be off-road enough to need one? Always buy a bicycle based on "Where & How" you will be riding. The where we know...hilly streets. How? Do you want to go for casual rides or do you 'feel the need for speed'? Hybrid bikes generally have a large 1st gear on the rear sprocket. Comes in handy climbing hills. Some 'performance hybrids' have this feature too. Road bikes will weigh a lot less & therefore be easier to climb hills & go for pure speed. Go see the R.E.I. store at 5556 Copley Dr. San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: (858) 279-4400 Ask them about the bike on this link... http://www.rei.com/product/826110/diamon鈥?/a> Also see link below... "How to Choose a Bicycle"|||Hey Scott, Not that I'm against mountain bikes per say.... But if you DO decide to get one I'd suggest sticking with a rigid frame. All you'll be doing otherwise is wasting energy moving suspension up and down that could be used to move you forward. Tires for mountain bikes come in a wide variety so finding something suited for pavement shouldn't be difficult. "Hybrid" or "Cross" style bikes would be a good choice for city riding but probably not all that great off-road. Good thing is there are a LOT of different makes, models and styles so it's likely you'll find something to fit your needs. There are any number of really good bike shops in San Diego so start your search by looking for shops near you. REI has a pretty good selection as well. Most any reputable bike shop will probably have a good variety of bikes to show you and make suggestions about the type of bike best suited for your needs, frame size, fit and any accessories you might need. A few things that are a no-brainer: Lock, HELMET, lights. You can expect to see prices starting at around $300 and going up from there. If there's one statement that pretty much holds true for bicycles it's "you get what you pay for" If it's at all possible bring your bike inside whenever you can. At home especially, if you store it in a garage be sure to LOCK IT UP! It's been awhile since I've lived in San Diego but I remember it as being pretty bike-friendy|||mountain bikes are your best choice, although you might not go offroading, they still provide a very comfortable ride, and they're very good for hills because they have mutliple gears so its makes life a lot easier, as opposed to BMX's which only have one gear that will prove very difficult for hills. Also, you tend to hurt your back riding a BMX as you have to lean over a lot where as on mountain bikes you can sit up straight more easily. More alternatively, you could have a look at Jump bikes, a kind of mix between BMX's and mountain bikes, they have multipul gears and a highter frame for easy riding on hills and sitting comfortably while still looking cool ;) but they have the bmx side of no suspention or front suspension forks. its down to you but i would deffinately go with mountain bikes, good luck finding one :)|||Most people agree, for the price, this bike is awesome. If you are an occasional biker who assumes every mountain bike are the same, you鈥檙e in for a surprise. If you are looking for a bike that is sturdy and fits into your budget, think again. There are many criteria by which mountain bikes differ. Here is a list of featured for the Mongoose Sector mountain bike to help you judge.|||The hills in SD can be huge and there are TONS of places to mountain bike. Get a mtn bike and you'll use it on the trails very quickly. Been riding here for years. Balboa Park actually has a really good off road trail, rode it last month. http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states鈥?/a> Actually ridden down the stairs in this picture as I was unfamiliar w/the trail next to them & was at speed ;/ http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/hi鈥?/a> Apparently the haters have never lived here. Unless you are in great shape, the average person will need every bit of granny gear to get up hills here as they are high and long. This is evidenced by the many people I see walking their bikes up hills. There are so many places here to mtn bike many people do it as evidenced by the numerous clubs and attendees and weekly events.|||Two votes thumbs down on mountain bikes. And I own one! But I use mine mainly off road where suspension parts are needed to soak up bumps & ruts. I don't think the streets are that bad in San Diego, are they? A bicycle with no suspension fork will be better for street riding. But, you can find hybrids that do have suspension forks, or not. I bought my mountain bike from Bikes Direct. The downfall is you assemble the bike yourself or get a bike shop to do it for you. But they have great prices & a wide variety of bicycles. I'll put down a few suggestions.|||Hybrid or performance hybrid. See links.