Bicycle? suggestions?

I live my Specialized Vita. Last years' models should be on sale right now. I think I paid $400 or $450.

I have a Specialized hybrid that I have had for over 5 years...Use it for exercise and recreational riding...Still is in good shape... I replaced the tires once so far... I put on less knobby tires since I use it on roads/paths where knobby tires aren't needed....

You want a road bike? Mountain bike? Hybrid? and what would be the price range you want? Most bike shops will have a layaway program, all you have to do is ask. You can get a decent entry level bike at Wal Mart, but you'll be best taking it to a shop and spending more money to have it tuned up and what-not. You CANNOT go wrong with a Specialized. Trek has some nice bikes but they tend to be a little pricey at times for what you get. I also like GT but they don't really have a road bike line-up. Best bet is to stick with a bike shop bike. A mountain bike might be a good choice for you as it allows a wider range of environments to be ridden than a road bike will. If you find your on pavement mostly you can even install semi-slicks. They're smooth in the middle where you'll be on the road, but knobby on the sides for when you hit the trails. I say trails, but I'm not talking hard-core stuff. There's plenty of parks that have leisure trails that aren't paved. You'll also have a more upright riding position.

Best bet is to go visit a bike shop. Tell them what you're looking for and a price range. Entry level might set you back up to $500, but you DO get what you pay for in a bike. You can test drive some bikes and get an idea for what you like as well as get properly sized since frames are different sizes. Above all, spend the money and buy a good helmet (then use the helmet).

Check your local bike shops (for community boards with notices) and bike clubs for used ones. This is the time of year people upgrade and they want the cash to buy the new ones. If you have a tri-club in your area check them too.

It is going to be difficult (impossible?) to find a new bike of reasonable quality and performance from a main stream manufacturer for $300/$400. It would have been difficult 10 years ago.

You might find something used in that price range but if you are an inexperienced cyclist I don't think I'd recommend that route unless you have some experienced cycling friends who can help you pick something out in your size.

Yeah, if you don't mind used you can keep an eye out on Craigslist and ask around at local bike shops. If you get a used bike I would immediately take it to a shop to have it tuned. They'll grease and adjust the parts on it and help adjust it to you. Make sure it's the right size frame for you though. Also, if you need parts for it you can let the shop know money is an issue and ask if they have any "take off" parts. When people upgrade new bikes the shop takes off the old stuff and typically sells those to people in need. You get brand new components at a fraction of the cost. I had a Wal Mart Mongoose decked out almost completely in CODA (Cannondale) parts. I had a GT on layaway there and didn't want to put lots into the 'goose so this was the best route.