I have a $400 budget to purchase a new commuter this week. I was thinking of either a Motobecane road bike from BD for $400, or I could always buy used in the Davis, CA area or South Bay Area (going home in 2 weeks from UC Davis), specifically Mountain View. I am 5'9".

With this budget should I be looking at new or used bikes? I have been looking on CG and haven't found much. I tried out a few older stem shifters earlier today as well and for some reason I found it extremely difficult to shift. Like the pressure I had to apply was almost beyond what my thumb could handle.

I'm looking for something with drop bars but a straight bar isn't necessarily a turn off.

How does something like this look: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...s/mirage_s.htm

I especially like the drop brakes as well as the other breaks closer to the body.

What would you guys recommend?