Originally Posted by
rumrunn6
if your budget is $1K then really it might be only $500 cuz you'll spend money over the next year in gear
Not far from the truth, actually. The cost of add-ons like lights (a must-have if you're going to be commuting, unless you get to ride home at 3pm or something), fenders, waterproof backpack or pannier, etc. does add up.