What kind of bicycle should I purchase my husband?

It's really hard to say "this is the bike for him" since there are fine nuances of every type of rider that may lead them to make different choices. Personally, for the riding you described, I'd go for a low end Cyclocross bike, they can be easily found for under $1000 and offer a fantastic variety of ridability, but at the same time many people will find the aggressive riding style provided by cross bikes to be way above what they want. I think a more ideal choice would be an entry level hardtail from any number of manufacturers. Here's a breakdown of a few bikes and some of their nuances that I mentioned above. Rocky Mountain Vertex 30 (MSRP $989.00): I've had a lot of good experience with Rocky Mountain, and specifically the Vertex series. I worked at a large Rocky dealer for 2 seasons and got a good feel for their line during that time (I've since started working at another shop, so the bias for rocky is gone). They're hardtails are very good quality frames, very upgradable and a great way to get into a cross-country style bike. The 30 offers great components for the price, and is a lot of fun to ride. Specialized Rockhopper Comp (1059.99): Another choice, slightly more burly than the Vertex, fairly well equiped, but slightly less upgradable. This is a great bike for getting into riding in general. It offers a solid base to build skills and get into more intense forms of riding should you so desire, before requiring you to upgrade to a better bike. Gary Fisher Tassajara (899.99 MSRP): Again, a solid bike that will allow you to evolve from those basic trail around the city all the way up to some more aggressive rides getting into singletrack. Good component base, slightly less upgradeable than the first two, but still giving an edge. Norco Charger ($989.00 MSRP): Another sweet choice, getting you into the cross country hard tails. Less aggressive, more technical singletrack than the Specialized, but still capable geometry. I haven't been the biggest fan of Norco in the past, but this seems like a good option. I have been giving things that fit really close to the budgeted $1000, mostly bikes that will allow your husbands riding to evolve and grow. I think that this is vital to the enjoyment of riding. If you start on a terrible bike you'll never enjoy it, but if you start on too good a bike you may end up wasting money, so you seem to be in the right budget in my opionion. At the same time it isn't hard to spend less (as low as $500, $400) and get a capable bike that will be able to tackle double track and streets with ease, but those bikes won't be able to be grown into as much. Here are some key things to look for in the bikes you find along the way from shops you check into (which I highly recommend doing). First, a good fit, nothing worse than being uncomfortable on a ride. Second, reasonable components that fit your need, nothing lower than Shimano Deore and the fork shouldn't be too bad either (I'm out of touch when it comes to forks, so you may be better with the advice of the shop). Disc brakes are a GREAT benefit, and if your husband is 6'6'' then they'll be worth it. Besides that, get out there and test ride stuff to see if he likes it. Bikes can be bought for someone, but it's better if they get a chance to test it out first.

A hybrid bike is a good choice in addition to the cyclocross bike. You should be able to get a really good one for less than the $1K. Regardless of which kind of bike you are buying, you will get the most for your money by not being fixed on any brand name. The bicycle business is so competitive that any two bikes at the same price point are very likely to be equivalent values. The important thing is the fit and feel. Take your husband to a bike shop and let them fit him to a bike. A properly fitted bike is a pleasure. A badly fitted bike is torture. Have him test ride every bike he can. One will fit and feel better than the others. Buy that one, regradless of brand, because it is the one he'll enjoy and use the most. Pay no attention to brand name, marketing hype, or fancy brochures. He can't ride them. HTH

I saw someone else say this, but there weren't very clear about it. When you purchase a bike, it needs to "fit" properly. You usually fit a bicycle by just standing over it. If it's the right size it'll be able to stand up straight between your legs with both of your feet touching the ground and the bikes seat just below your crotch. As far as the type of bike. Someone mentioned a cross bike. I have one of those and really enjoy it. I take it trail riding, and I've taken it out in the woods before and never had a problem. The only other thing I have to say is resist the temptation to get a bike with rear suspension. It's a more comfortable ride I suppose, but you lose a lot of pedaling power that way.

Tell him to steer clear of the village bycicle.

Its really hard to say what type of bike to get for him. since you have to get a bike since he is 6'6" that is a big dude. Where does he like to ride? Where does he like to ride? Does he like dirt bikes or DMX bikes? Does he like motor bikes or motorcycles? Just asking a couples questions according to my knowledge. I hope this help[s though to generate a few ideas. :)