I think you need another bike. There is a middle ground where the bike rides and works well and isn't worth a lot of money. I call it a "sleeper" bike, because most thieves don't recognize how nice it is.
You may be able to turn your beater bike into a nice bike, or maybe you should pick up another bike from craigslist. In the Classic & Vintage and the Bicycle Mechanics forums, we can walk you through the upgrade and repair process. And we can save you a ton of money.
Tom, I might wander over and see if you guys can help make my Vitus look less flashy. My other bike is not the right size and I don't think I can play musical parts enough to make the comfort/mountain bike good enough for my ride.
I am sketchy about finding a bike small enough for me on craigslist, I'm 5'4" and the smallest I have seen in my area have been 54cm (which stretches me out too much)
thanks for the advice
Molly : )