Well let's see, to start I am 5'7" or 170cm, as budget goes, I am trying to save around $400 I figured would get me something "reliable" for my weight, but I am willing to go to $500 or a bit more if that means getting something I will like and want.

What I am looking to do like I said is ride as a way to get around, I don't drive so it is basically what I would use it for to go places in town no more than let's say 5 miles out of town, it would 100% of the time ridden on black top, and as far as it goes on the routes that I know traffic will be manageable and I say that because of the number of semi trucks on the main roads here in town. As for what I am trying to achieve while biking well... A way to get from A to B while at the same time on a whim I could decide to go on a longer ride and get some exercise before coming home, as far as mileage it will be unlikely that I would take it any further than 10 miles in one sitting simply because, the traffic on the roads here would not allow it, to many semis who can't be trusted on the road with cars not to even mention bicycles.

And from what I read on this forum and others I think a single speed would be a preferred choice for me, mostly for exercise as well as maintenance.