Originally Posted by MinnMan

Also, it's early September - hurry up and get something and enjoy a couple of good months of glorious autumn weather in NY. Pretty soon the ideal riding weather (and light) will be gone. Don't hem and haw, just go find your local bike shop, buy something basic that's probably a little more money than you expected to spend, and go out and ride. If you spend several weeks hunting and doing research, you'll lose the moment.

carpe diem