Amazon has the Diamondback 2012 Trace Dual Sport Bike (20" Gray) for $218 with free shipping. Features NVX 75mm fork and Shimano Acera 7 speed drive train with SL-M310 7 speed rapidfire shifters. At home on the asphalt and trails, hybrids offer the best of both worlds.
I'm doubting chicks care all that much, though discs are far better for long downhill or wet conditions, provided you are capable of adjusting them properly or paying someone to do so.
One thing noteworthy about this is it specs 700mm rims rather than 650mm which is the predominant size on MTBs till recently (arguable). That, the less knobby tires, and small capacity front suspension make it more suitable for pavement and fire roads than for trails. If that's the intended use it is an interesting choice at this price point, and you won't get a decent hybrid or MTB with disc brakes at 50% higher cost and even then the discs you get won't modulate very well.
If you really want to look cool, you need disc brakes. Chicks seeing you on this without disc brakes will be like you sporting a small package...
I'm doubting chicks care all that much, though discs are far better for long downhill or wet conditions, provided you are capable of adjusting them properly or paying someone to do so.
One thing noteworthy about this is it specs 700mm rims rather than 650mm which is the predominant size on MTBs till recently (arguable). That, the less knobby tires, and small capacity front suspension make it more suitable for pavement and fire roads than for trails. If that's the intended use it is an interesting choice at this price point, and you won't get a decent hybrid or MTB with disc brakes at 50% higher cost and even then the discs you get won't modulate very well.
How do you get the bike at $218? All 4 sizes are above $250!