I have two inexpensive bikes that I use for commuting to work. One is a Specialized Allez Steel that I bought on clearance for $400, and the other is a Sierra Schwinn hybrid. The road bike is more fun to ride in fair weather, though the Schwinn gets more usage in fall and winter months. It is outfitted with 26x1.5 Vittoria Randonneur tires, Planet bike fenders and mud flaps, and a cheap Nashbar rack. I have a basket that I throw on there when grocery shopping. Both bikes have inexpensive components, but serve me well.

Based on my current mileage, my mileage will be somewhere around 500 miles by the end of the month. While I would love to have a fancy bike, I would still average about 500 miles per month. As it is, I don't worry about my bikes getting dinged up from use.