In the market for a new bike (female)...I want a hybrid but don't want to spend a lot.....any help?

I've been looking online and even went to a bike shop. I'm not sure if I should get a $200 Schwinn or a $400 Trek. I really just want a bike to get daily exercise...don't really need high perfomance but I also want it to last a long time. Any suggestions?

Difficult to compare bikes based on the price tag alone. You have to examine the components to figure out what one will be the best one.

A couple rules of thumb: A bike that doesn't fit well isn't a good deal, no matter how inexpensive it is. Also, quality and durability are not terms that you can typically apply to a $200 bike.

Bear in mind that at this price it isn't about lightweight parts and "high performance". The difference will be in quality and durability. If you want it to last a long time and plan on using it often, don't shop for the absolute cheapest one out there...you will be quickly disappointed in the purchase.

Go back to the bike shop with a budget and tell the sales person how you plan on using the bike. How often, what terrain, etc. They will help pick out a few models to try.

Buy the one that fits you the best and from the shop you are most satisfied with.

Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise
We get bike-buying questions from hundreds of people each year--readers, family members, friends, friends of friends, complete strangers who call us out of the blue. Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike.
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...
By Bicycling Staff