Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll keep riding and reading and start looking for a better bike sometime next spring. That should give me time to become better educated as well as get a feel for how well I take to cycling.

One thing I might do is change the wheels or rims somehow for the braking advantage. I was putting around on it today with my kids and we went through a few mud puddles…after that I couldn't get the thing stopped.

I've only got $60 in the bike. Any one have a good suggestion for some replacement wheels or rims that would help with the braking but still be price appropriate for this beast?

Thanks again.