Need some new wheels...

[Laplacian]

Okay, I think I'm starting to become a full-blown e90post addict (like most of you), but people seem to get good responses on random things so here goes...

I want to get a bike (pedal, not motor) just to ride to the beach and around, for pleasure and exercise. I want a hybrid, probably not more than $300 (I'm no expert cyclist), something fairly sturdy, light, reliable, etc. It does not need to have 80 gears or disc brakes, etc.

Does anyone have a suggestion on what a good brand for hybrids would be? Anyone know of any decent bike forums that they can point me to? I tried googling but it seems the cycling community is not as...uhh...involved online that us bimmer owners are.

Thanks in advance!