Hi Dan,

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, so if not, I apologize. I don't live too far from you, and I have a 1994 Giant Nutra that I'm looking to get rid of. I used to commute on it regularly, but It's become somewhat redundant with my other bike, and I just don't use the Giant much anymore. I'd let you have it for just what I've put into fixing it up (I got it in less-than-ideal shape).

I left a "visitor message" on your profile since I can't send PMs yet. If you're interested, please shoot me an email. I'd be happy to dial in the fit and walk you through some basic maintenance since you mentioned you're new to biking.

Again, I'm sorry if this doesn't belong here. Hopefully it's helpful though. Best of luck with your search either way!

If you can bump your budget a bit, I've always thought this Schwinn 4 One One 1 from Performance would make a really nice commuter. Comes with an internally geared hub, disk brakes, fenders, basket. All you need is lights and a lock and you could commute year-round on this baby.

Another potentially very large bang for the buck source is bikeisland.com They have pretty respectable entry level road bikes within your budget. Knowledgeable assembly and setup is required.

I rode a cruiser to work forever
Proud to say Schwinn American 54
However had to get a commuter.so got this asama nogas thing hated it didn't understand handbreaks or gears. Position down right uncomfortable. Finally got different handlebars. But breaks are sturmyarcher and they're great.I'll never be as good a rider as onmy American

Never! I hate gears so much.thankgod the breaks rock but riding a bike is only as good as you ride it newbikes really suck when you ride a bike that's made to last then this new **** you totally feel the difference
But I love to ride to work and I can't put that beautiful bike in jeopardy anymore

I like mr geeker's idea of the $100 Wal Mart bike, for you.

That bike will do just fine for a 6 mile commute.

And it's inexpensive enough that you don't have to worry about dropping it, or leaving it someplace where it could get stolen.

I rode a Wal Mart bike for years before I upgraded. I don't have to tell you that you'll get a much nicer bike if you spend more money.

But for what you need today, that $100 bike is probably fine.