Originally Posted by
FBinNY
If you have a knowledgeable friend who knows the difference between gems and dogs,there are real bargains out there on Craigs List.
Also, 64 miles/mo, mostly on short rides isn't a very demanding purpose. For this kind of light duty, you can do what the underclass does; buy a big box bike for $189.00, do basic maintenance as needed and chuck it if/when it needs anything major. Up here in Westchester, waiter, busboys and the like ride these 100+ miles a week and they typically last 2 years, which makes them solid value in cheap transportation, despite being sneered at as BSOs by bike snobs.
Down here in Manhattan, the delivery bicycle is changing fast. The riders own their bikes, and yet they see fit to buy well made bikes and keeping them in good running condition. Some are tricked out beyond utilitarian concerns. I'm not sure if the delivery guys -- and they are pretty much all men -- feel this new way is more economical. Maybe it is; I hope so. Maybe it's better because the bike is more reliable than a BSO and results in less unexpected down time. Too much of that, and you lose your job.
Despite this small disagreement, [MENTION=158672]FBinNY[/MENTION]'s advice is good with regard to getting a bike off Craigslist. Find someone who can sift the chaff from the grain. It doesn't take long to find a solid value in a used bike there.