I wouldn't waste the money on the new bike either. If you are going to buy a low end bike at least get it the thrift shop for $20 instead of a $100. It amazes me how all it seems that Americans want is shiny new crap at a cheap price. My 34 year old English 3 speed is still going strong after years of abuse and with minimal maintenance. It has probably been ridden over 30,000 miles with nothing more than the occasional adding of oil to the hubs and a replacement chain. It has had at least 5 sets of tires that I can recall but those are wear items. I also have an old Motobecane from the 70's that is still rideable, you can pick those up for $50-$100 and still come out ahead of the game. So what if they don't have SIS and only 10 speeds, they are still a better bike in a lot of ways than the current crop of bottom feeders. I am not against new bikes, I actually bought on this year. But I can't see wasting money on a new cheap bike when there are so many good used ones out there for a fraction of the price. The advice on the bike co-op is good. Unfortunately they only seem to exist in the larger metro areas.

Aaron