trail bike vs road bike

[kjb]

So I have been thinking for awhile now that I might invest in a bike. I would like to do long distance cycling, but the thought of trail riding and investing in a mountain bike sounds like tons of fun too. I live in a very flat area, where long distance riding would be ideal and would have to travel a ways to do the mountain biking.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of bike I should look into getting? Should I invest in a good road bike and buy a less expesnive trail bike? What are some good brands? What should I look for? I dont have any friends here that do this so Im kinda lost in where to start.

Thanks for any advice!

[Lipp]

It depends on your needs, will you be using it strictly for exercise or to get around as well?

I got myself a trail bike that I use in the city just because I don't have to deal with long distances and its alot more convenient to be able to jump curbs and tram tracks. And on the off-chance that a day frees up its also plenty of fun to go riding in the woods, which I find to be far more fun than just cruising on a racer.

[Junket]

Go with a hybrid.

I have a cruiser/mountain bike.