Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and new to bicycling really and I need help (as the thread title says) choosing a commuter bicycle.

Now, I think I would like something with road tires that aren't too narrow (like a cyclocross, but they are all to expensive for my budget) that also has mounts for a rear rack, but I am still somewhat up in the air on what exactly I want. I really only have a 2 mile commute so it's likely to be used more for recreation than commuting, but commuting is it's primary function as I have no car.

Aside from that, my biggest concern is what should the source of the bike be. It seems like going with an online purchase of something from Bikesdirect is one of the more economical ways to get a bike, but there's a lot of people saying that the LBS is the way to go. There's also used, which I think is hit or miss.

Now, I can understand that LBS will give less service to people who didn't buy a bike there, but how often would I really need to go to an LBS other than to purchase a part? I'm fairly mechanically inclined having been the previous owner of a motorcycle which I did all of the service on myself. Would it really be necessary to go to an LBS in my case?

Also, what about Used bikes in regards to the LBS. It seems like buying used would be the same as buying from a mail order retailer.

So what would be my best bet, go with an online retailer brand like motobecane and get the good components for fairly cheap, or go with a LBS on the promise of good service (Assuming I can find one that gives good service around here) and just accept that I'll have to ride a name brand bike with sub par brakes and SRAM derailleurs or shifters.