The 160 dollar investment was worthwhile to figure out if you like biking and hone in on what bike you like to ride. Don't be surprized if the LBS tells you your fighting a losing battle trying to keep your GMC Denali is good working order.

Bikes can be expensive - but not when you consider using it for commuting to work or the health benefits. My first aluminum $800 hybrid bike paid for itself in gas and parking over the period of one summer - and I lost 15 lbs in the process. It has decent rapid fire shifters, Deore hubs and derailleurs, and CXP-22 wheels. That was several years ago - it's got about 15,000 km on it and aside from a chain and new rubber it still works flawlessly.

Many people on this forum likely spent 160 bucks on a saddle. But we tend to spend a lot on bikes... for recreational riding it really isn't necessary.

Realistically you not going to find a durable and reliable bike for much less then about $750 (I'm guessing - haven't really looked). A bike store will be able to get you on something to suit that purpose and make sure it fits you properly. Well designed components, a good fit, and basic knowledge of bike maintenance will give you a bike you can ride long distances for many years.

You might want to drop by the mechanical forum and ask what components are the best for the money. That would be a good place to start. Then take a trip to the LBS get some advice, take a few bikes out for a spin, scour CL for some deals.

Good luck,