Originally Posted by michaelnel
A $200 full suspension mountain bike is going to be a heavy, poorly made piece of crap with the absolute cheapest componentry and wheels.
He'd be FAR better off with a 10-15 year old quality hardtail (even hard front) name brand mountain bike than that Wallmart POS.
I agree. I bought the bike I use as a commuter (Specialized HardRock rigid MTB in new condition) for $100 at a pawn shop. My stepson just bought a good condition Trek 700 (also older model rigid mountain bike) for $6 at a yard sale.
These older rigid (no suspension) mountain bikes are fantastic urban commuters. Keep looking and you will find some good deals. It's a little harder to find used road bikes at fantastic prices, but it can be done.