There aren't any bikes on the market for $250 that will be very reliable, and I'm an advocate for cheap bikes.

Your best bet is probably to go to a local bike shop & ask for a tuned & repaired used bike.


If you're okay with putting the bike together, you can find some decent bikes for a bit more than that at BikesDirect.com. They ship for free, but you have to put the handlebars, pedals & seat on and tune it yourself. You may even have to true the wheels.


Otherwise, you're stuck with bikes from the big box stores, and while some of 'em are passable, the components really are junk in most cases. The last thing you want is a 45lbs bike with shiftgear that will constantly be out of tune & breaking.