I'm looking to get a new bike for getting to work and back, <10km each way. I have ~$500 to spend. It needs to be durable, and have shocks (I have some interesting paths I take to get around town).

I asked a guy I work with for some tips about buying bikes. He suggested I find a 'mom and pop' bike store, look around alot, talk to the owners alot, then buy a bike from them. You're more likely to get a good deal that way.
Anyway, what are your opinions? What would be a good bike to buy? What are the brands to notice, and the brands to avoid? Should I get some modifications done, etc?

Thanks

-KE

Is there a 'suggestion' section of this site? I would have been happy with a one liner, like "I like Norco"! Would have been better than nothing...

I like norco.

Better? Sorry, had to do it.

Any of the big brands will have a nice bike for about 500, but keep in mind that you are gonna need to factor in 'accessories' like a helmet, pump, tubes etc that are really 'in-valuables' These could run into 100-200 range if you get carried away.

Go to your Local Bike Shop (LBS) and talk to them, chances are that you aren't the first guy to walk in there to buy a bike to ride that sort of trip.

Other than that, search the forums. There is some good info on here.

I think the lack of responses is due to the fact that there are a million choices for a bike in your price range. A suggestion for a bike based on your provided information would be worthless. We need more information, mainly what brands of bikes are available at the shops nearby to you? And does your $500 include money for accesories or do you own everything you'll need already? Do you need to mount a rack, panniers, fenders, etc.? Do you want a hybrid or a MTB?

Anyway, a good place to start looking for bikes is by checking out the major manufacturers websites: Trek, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale. You'll probably find something there that you like. If not go to your local bike shop and see what they offer. If you still can't find anything, go through the Commuter Bike thread and see what everyone else is riding. If you find something you like, try to track one down through a mail order company or Ebay or Craigslist.

Wow, that's alot to think about. Thanks for the feedback! I shall continue to dig through this forum

-KE