IMHO cheap bikes with multiple gears and a cheap suspension fork, just spells future troubles to me...
Listen, your commute is not long. If you don't have any hills, or much of an incline to traverse, then just get a low maintenance single speed with a rigid fork. You're not going to have to deal with any major fork issues causing you to dole out extra cash, nor are you going to have any gear problems, because you're not going to have any shifters or derailleurs to worry about.
As far as I'm concerned the rack and the fenders are just bait on that bike. If your commute is primarily on flat urban terrain, just keep it simple and get a single speed with a chromoly frame. That combination promises many years of uninterrupted economical, reliable, and efficient cycling service.
Just take a look at this Nashbar deal here. This single speed chromoly steel bicycle will provide many years of service. It's called,
The Hounder ~ $200:
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202339
This bike will arrive 95% assembled already. All you'll have to do will be to place the finishing touches upon the assembly. You won't have any problems, because you can watch the assembly video below, as many times as neccessary:
www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm
- Slim
