Forget all this "advanced" bike stuff. Get an old 50's cruiser. I've got one I picked up for $15, then renovated it. Powder coated bright green, basket on front, chrome fenders, white wall tires, coaster brakes, cool retro light, and a bell! It's bad ass and I use it to go everywhere around the city. People really dig it, a real head turner and a conversation piece. It's a lot of fun to ride, especially when you hook up with other old skool types. "Modern" stuff is really boring.

I ride the **** outa that 50lb beast. Hop curbs, haul groceries, pub crawls, whatever. A 5 mile ride is no problem, more than that becomes a concern.