If you can get one without suspension and in a large enough frame size for you, give it a try. (As they say, "the price is right") You'll probably replace most of the drivetrain components soon if you go any considerable distance, but if you don't mind experimenting and getting your hands dirty that ain't a bad thing. My 820 is in its 11th year of happy all-weather all-terrain commuting.
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-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.