Originally Posted by
Euthyphro
I would get a complete bike and ride it for a while. You'll start to figure out what you like and what you want to change. I'm 6' and around 200 lbs, and I've been riding a Jamis Beatnik for a while now and like it. It's nothing special, but it is cheap and will get you going. After about a year I replaced the pedals, bars, and saddle and find it comfortable. For what it's worth, I'm not a huge fan of the blue 2015 Beatnik. So bright.
edit: you'll also want to think about the other things you'll need to buy. you probably want a lock and helmet, so if $600 is your total budget, you don't want a $600 bike.
I was sort of thinking this would be the case. This is all the more reason I want to get a frame that I will feel comfortable with for awhile and something that will hold up. I figured I can always upgrade components down the road but I've got to have a good base to build on. I'd say my budget for the Bike is about $600, I figured a helmet would be an added cost.. I'm really working with about $750 and the extra beyond $600 would be for things like a helmet and lock.
On that note, are cycling shoes as essential as something like football cleats or track spikes? Or will a pair of Nikes do the trick for awhile?