DannyOKC

In 1998, I started seriously riding and purchased a Specialized Hardrock entry level mtn bike for right at $300.00

I still have and use that bike 9,000 miles later. It still goes great, I rode it on a 350 mile bike tour, it looks good.

Due to my ignorance about chain stretch, I let the chain wear out and had to replace the cassette and chainrings. Still, over the years I have put about $250 total in repairs. Of course, this does not count normal things like tires and regular chain replacement (I do this religiously, now).

So, for a total investment of $500 over 6 years, I have gone 9,000 miles, or about 5.5 cents per mile for this bike.

Your Huffy would never, ever match these costs, nor would it lasr 9,000 miles, IMHO.

(Of course, along the way, I decided to get a road bike or two, and get my wife a road bike, mtn bike and a hybrid). Lots of miles on these other bikes, also!

But nothing so cost-effective on a per mile basis as the Specialized HardRock.

There are lots of other similar bikes at your local LBS. Check it out!

Have fun. Please stay off of the sidewalks!