Thank you everyone for you're responses.

I'm looking to spend around $500.00 or less.

I was doing some looking around and saw a lot of people recommend Surly Cross Checks. Is there any way I could build one cheaply? Sure it wouldn't have top end components. Most of the ones I see are around $1,000. Couldn't you build one cheaper or are you better off to buy a built bike for that price?

I'm considering the GIANT FCR-3 at this point. Anyone have experience with that?

Thanks a lot,

-Mike