Hello,

Im guessing that its going to be pretty obvious from this post but Ill go ahead and say it anyway, Im new to this site and haven't ridden a bike more than a couple feet since I was 15 (Im 25 now).

Ok, I just moved to New Orleans and Ive decided to buy a bike and start commuting to work and school because traffic is absurd here and I would like to get in better shape. I live about 2.5mi from work and 4mi from school.

I dont have very much cash to spend because I have other financial obligations (you would be supprised how much rent is for an apartment 5 feet below sea level....) Anyway, I need some suggestions on a decent commuter bike, keep in mind NOLA just may be the pothole/crappy street capitol of the country. Ive been looking on craigslist but dont really know what I should be looking for in terms of quality. I am a poor....really poor college kid and cant really spend more than $250 on something. I know this is a really low budget but I have researched enough to know that walmart/target...etc.. is a bad idea.

Please, share you knowledge with me.

Seek out the local cycling clubs. Sometimes, members have bikes that they are no longer using and practically give them away to someone they know would ride. If nothing else, club membership generally will get you a discount at the LBS...

ok 1st off we need to know if you want a MTB or Road bike. and how good you are with tools and fixin things?

From the research that Ive done Im pretty sure a hybrid would be best for me. I will mainly be riding on paved surfaces but as I noted in my first post, NOLA has really bad streets. Im just looking for a comfortable ride and a little speed to get to and from.

And Im not very handy when it comes to fixing stuff. Im no idiot but Im far from MacGyver.....