Originally Posted by
moochems
Raleigh CliffHanger MTB
Here's my $0.02:
This one is what I would start on. Get a set of puncture resistant tires in a slick or semi slick tread pattern, rear rack fenders and lights and be commuting on a budget.
That bike looks ready to ride as is, but an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure, and puncture resistant tires are excellent prevention, even if they add pounds.
That looks like a good choice IF IT FITS. It might be a bit large for you. That bike looks VERY clean, well maintained and not ridden into the ground. It is inexpensive and if you ride it for six months and decide you want to upgrade to a sleeker bike, you can sell this bike and put the $ toward a different bike. If you don't like riding, you can sell the bike and you haven't lost a lot of $.
You can replace knobby tires with slicks and the ride will be smoother and faster (less rolling resistance).
Be patient, keep looking through craigslist.