Originally Posted by no1mad

...That $750 budget of yours... is that just the bike or bike and accessories? I'd suggest giving a look at the Giant Escape City and add some bar end extensions to give you a change of hand positions. Ergon grips if you don't like the stock ones. You'll need decent lights- look to the Electronics forum here for that- a lock (possibly two), gloves, pumps (both on the bike and floor for the house), patch kit, spare tube. Helmet and mirror are strongly encouraged...