In that price range, I would try Graigslist rather then eBay, if you don't mind buying a used bike. If you are looking at buying a new bike, you can get a low end Schwinn at Wal-Mart or Target. I saw a Schwinn hybrid at Target for $279.00 and a Huffy hybrid at Wal-Mart for under $100.00. If you are looking for casual rides, then these bikes are perfectly fine. Just remember that you get what you pay for.
If you have a Giant dealer in your neighborhood, look at the Giant Cypress ST. It goes for $330.00 and its a hybrid. Only problem is that it has a steel frame, solid fork and a fixed stem. Here is the link to the
page. Giant classifies this bike as a comfort bike, but it is a hybrid by definition.
Update:
Just checked the Dawes USA web site and the cheapest bike they offer (new of course) is a trail bike for $695.00. You may want to check the link on trevgbb's post to see if the bike you saw on eBay is shown and then you can get more information on the bike.
HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe...Ride Hard...Ride Daily
Well after lots of research, it turns out the Dawes USA is actually completely unrelated to Dawes UK. Dawes USA is actually a pseudo brand used by Bikes Direct (They also have "Motobecane" among a few other ripped off names).
The reviews however show that the bike will work fine if your handy and have some mechanical knowledge, which I do. It can hold a 20 mph pace all day according to some people, it's just a little heavy and the shifting is a bit more clunky compared to something like a Trek. The paint will chip off easily too. But for what it's worth it is a decent budget entry level road bike.
I'm hesitant with the schwinn and huffy because as a kid I was spoiled for a year with a Schwinn Caliente. Drop bars, toe straps, etc. Loved the bike, had to give it back to my relative though, who I believe sold it 2 years later (grr). The Dawes is just like that, then again so is a Trek.
I think I definitely consider the craigslist option and see what shows up. If anything the dawes will teach me much about bike maintenance...