Lots of good used bike on Craiglist. I commute on a steel bike - 1986 Centurion Ironman. It was $200. I put another $200 in to tune and clean it up. Rides smoother than my Carbon fiber Cross bike. As far a gear ratios I'm running 13-24 (6 speed) in the back and 52/34 in the front. I live in a hilly area with a 4.5 mile commute one way and it's a work out coming home uphill. Hope this helps.