Sup fellow NYer, I am out in Bethpage.

Here is a tip, buy used. There are tons of good bikes on craigslist.com right in Manhattan.

Check it out.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/

Here are two bikes in NYC for $500, right in Chelesa.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/72006090.html

Realistically, if you can tune any lightly used bike up, change the grips and seats you have "New Bikes"

Here is one for the wife, probably ridden once and hung in the rafters since.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/71953040.html


Plus, all these prices are negotiable, it's NY right?

Good luck and hope this helps,