Hi [MENTION=340282]urbanescapee[/MENTION]

Thanks so much for the advice. VERY VERY HELPFUL! Your time and assistance is very appreciated. I actually checked out Google Maps terrain feature before posting which is how I was able to figure out the incline of my commute. Super helpful. I also have planned out my to and from commutes through Google Maps. I know of a hand full of good bike shops around here. If I can get the bike + all the addons for under $1000, I will be stoked. I also am currently checking out REI and Craigslist right now for ideas. Thanks again!

Hi [MENTION=31186]rmfnla[/MENTION]

Thank you! Glad to be here on the forums. Very helpful so far! I am from the northmost part of Los Angeles, by the foothills: Sunland-Tujunga. Heard of it? Most people haven't!