Originally Posted by
SlimRider
At that price point your options are going to be limited, but it won't be impossible to get you on the road with a reliable bicycle, with which you can commute.
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Not that you need to spend a small fortune to start riding, but I like to think $1 paid upfront is equal to $2 down the road in repairs/upgrades. If you can swing it, you'll probably be better off in the long run. Even $350 to $500 is likely to get you a much better bike. Definitely be savvy in what bike you buy, but don't be cheap cos being cheap will have hidden costs.
You might want to see if you have any bicycle collectives in your area to help you buy and repair an old bike into something very nice. Or if you end up going with a bikedirect buy, they can help you assemble your bike for much less than an LBS would charge. And you even get to learn something about your bike!