Originally Posted by
Santaria
My honest recommendation. Find a LBS, go in and chat with them. Explain your intentions and see what they recommend. They probably will be the safest guides.
This is the best advice you have received so far on this thread. I know there are several good bike shops in West LA that will help you out. Go to several shops and explain what you want a bike for and see what they have to offer. Take as many out for a test ride as you can.
If you go the used route check out the Bike Kitchen near LACC
http://www.bicyclekitchen.com/
Good luck and have fun. Buying a bike is half the fun IMHO.