I'm looking for a nice hybrid bike that offers speed and comfortability, but yet rugged enough to handle potholes and cracks on the sidewalk for around $500. Any suggestions?
I would suggest looking for a used touring bike locally. $500 will buy you an o.k. new bike with low end components, but it will buy you an incredible 1o year old bike, and leave you plenty left over for upgrades.
A touring bike is designed like a road bike, with drop handlebars, but instead of being built for speed, it's built for comfort. You sit more upright on a touring bike than you do on a road bike, so it's easier on your back. Touring bikes also take wider tires (one of the keys to a comfortable ride). They are also very stable under load, just in case you ever want to take it shopping, or maybe even a camping trip.
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I would suggest looking for a used touring bike locally. $500 will buy you an o.k. new bike with low end components, but it will buy you an incredible 1o year old bike, and leave you plenty left over for upgrades.
A touring bike is designed like a road bike, with drop handlebars, but instead of being built for speed, it's built for comfort. You sit more upright on a touring bike than you do on a road bike, so it's easier on your back. Touring bikes also take wider tires (one of the keys to a comfortable ride). They are also very stable under load, just in case you ever want to take it shopping, or maybe even a camping trip.
There are a number of models to chose from. $500 is pretty much the entry point for a decent bike and at that price the bikes are all essentially interchangeable. Reality is if the bike says "Made in Taiwan" or "Made in China" (and that's almost everything at this price) it comes from one of handful of factories regardless of whose sticker is on the frame.
The biggest difference from model to model will be wheel size - some use the 26" wheels found on mountain bikes while others use the 700C wheels found on road bikes. Generally speaking, 700C wheels roll more smoothly over cracks, potholes and other small bumps. Some hybrids in this price range come with a suspension fork though I'd steer clear of those. Most of the forks in that price range don't work very well and tend to be pretty heavy. Don't get hung up on frame material. At this price point it really isn't going to matter if the bike is steel or aluminum.
Your best deals will come from the big brands in the sport: Giant, Trek (which includes Gary Fisher), and Specialized. If you're looking for something a little different check out the Kona Dew and Dew Plus. Also take a look at the Bianchi Torino. While thought of as an Italian brand the reality is most of the Bianchi bikes sold in the USA are designed by their office in the SF Bay Area.
FWIW, potholes and sidewalk cracks are not going to hurt a bike. There are guys who race 17-18 pound skinny tire bikes off-road in a sport called cyclocross (sort of the cycling equivalent of rally car racing).
Thanks for the guidance. I went out and purchased a Specialized Crosstrail bike for $415. Great bike with front suspension but with a 700C wheels which provided the speed I was lacking from my previous bike. The REAR DERAILLEUR was a Shimano Altus which is not really the top of the line but I'll probably wont notice the difference.
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I just purchased Specialized Sirrus Sport Bicycle. It was a bit more - $570, but I think it answers your requirements. I love it! I tried Cannondale Quick 4 ($599)and a Garry Fisher bike ($470) and neither compared in being as comfortable as Sirrus. The tires on Sirrus are on the thin side, so you won't be able to take it off-road, but for a commute or a leisurely ride in the park it is perfect.