Because of your height, one viable (and rarely mentioned) option exist here. Please don't overlook the 24" - typically considered a teen's intermediate bike. You can buy superior quality at reduced costs and frequently end-up with a lighter and better fitting bike. A prime example is the wildly popular Specialized HotRock 24".

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...45767&eid=4360

I'm in the process of building/converting a 2005 HotRock for myself (also height challenged). This will be a full fendered commuter. I'll post pics later this week

I dont have a 200 limit, I upped it to about 450 after seeing the prices of bikes on forums like this. (450 so there's wiggle room for tax, I'll be saving up six hundred, the extra for accessories I need.) As far as teen bikes, I'm always worried about the frame size, since they only ever say the wheel size for those bikes. Next time I'm in REI though I'll hop on a teen bike and see how it feels.

Try not to think in terms of "kids" or "teens" bikes.

Not to be redundant or critical, many older individuals seeking to re-enter the cycling world habitually select a bike based on $ and/or cosmetics. After 6 months riding, they come to realize that the initial purchase wasn't quite right, and the purchasing criteria has now change. Fit (comfort) and reliability become paramount. And if you are forced to haul the bike up a flight of stairs, weight also enters the picture.

So again, ride several examples which fall into your 'size' and price range. Color can be changed... and fenders, racks and accessories can be added later. Happy hunting.

You're right, it wasn't mentioned. It must have been a similar thread that had the $200 limit.

Lolz, as far as color, I really don't have a specification any further than 'not pink, not pink!' XD Yeah, I'm doing my best not to think in terms of the age group; I'll try a 24" next time I get to go to a bike shop, see how it feels. If it feels good, I'll probably go for one, since they're a cheaper option.

Does anyone know if you can add fenders and racks to 24" bikes? Seeing as kids would never need it, or want anything beyond a handlebar basket. If so, I'm most DEFINITELY going for it. The local LBS I talked about with high prices actually has decent prices on the 'kids' bikes.

So, I've been poking around on some websites, and I found this:

http://planocycling.com/product/12sp...et-72251-1.htm

It looks pretty nice, from reviews I've found rides great, and it's local! And a good brand of course. I just can't tell if it can support fenders and a cargo rack. BUT, if it can't support the rack, I'll just mount a basket on the front, I only need to be able to carry a few things with me, at least initially anyways. Opinions?

Yes.

As I stated previously, I'm currently assembling a Specialized HotRock 24, specifically aimed for commuting. I bought my fenders through Amazon - these were the more expensive, lightweight aluminum, but the cheaper, heavier steel 24" fenders can be purchased at a variety of outlets for between $20-30 (often cheaper). As for racks, many brands are universal and fit - some requiring more 'tweaking' than others and not a problem to install at most any LBS.

One last blurp from me and I'll politely disappear.

Some 4 years ago, I happened across a Free Agent Limo (also a quality 24"). Used, I paid $50 for it - it only needed tires. Undoubtedly, the best fitting bike I've personally experienced (for me). Being a 'retired' recumbent rider, I kept it about a month, then hesitantly sold it. To this day, I've regretted selling it and found myself in-the-hunt for a similar replacement (not easy since I live in a somewhat remote area. Then, two weeks ago, I snagged a used HotRock 24". Needs a little TLC, but definitely a keeper. Here's the Limo I sold:

http://i41.tinypic.com/2u8vx54.jpg

Cool. :) So far I'm liking the Specialized Hotrock Street a lot. I definitely need to go in and try it out, then. I'll ask when I'm there about fitting a rack on the back, I'm sure they'd help me. I'll probably get mine off amazon as well. Along with several other accessories; while the lbs has a good selection of bikes, they have a poor selection of accessories.

And I definitely want to see pictures of yours when you're done converting it!

Here are some more options:

Schwinn Voyageur 21. Has everything but lights.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...12_-1___400307
http://media.performancebike.com/ima...3-SIL-SIDE.jpg

Schwinn Voyageur 7. Simpler version of the above, with only one front sprocket. (so 7 speeds, instead of 21, no big loss in a bike of this type) Youd' have to spend some of the savings to put the rack and fenders on it:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...87_-1___400307
http://media.performancebike.com/ima...4-BLU-SIDE.jpg

This one's pretty appealing to me, since it has the internal geared 3-speed hub and a belt drive. (no grease on the pants, ever!) Also comes with fenders, a rack, and panniers included for $275. Looks like it's marked way down because it's new-old stock:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...08_-1___400307
http://media.performancebike.com/ima...1-CHA-SIDE.jpg

I see they have $50 off this weekend, for purchases of over $250. That last bike qualifies, so you could get it for $225.

The Torker T300 looks good too. Includes the fenders and a nice 3-speed internal hub for $440.
http://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commute/2012-t300
http://www.torkerusa.com/uploaded/dy...-thumb_960.jpg

Unless everyone says the GT is a piece of crap, I'd probably go with that one, followed by the Schwinn Voyageur 7 or Torker T300.

Yes, the HotRock (if it fits) is an excellent choice. OEM weight is 26-27 pounds (lightweight by anybody's standards). The frame is robust and lightweight, an idea candidate for eventual upgrades.

When you test ride, be absolutely sure you explicitly request that the test bike be properly adjusted and setup for your dimensions.. prior to test riding, then ride...

Of course. I'll make sure they know. I'm betting I"m not the only one coming in there to check it out; our town IS bike friendly, even if I don't trust the drivers much. They installed all kinds of new bike signs and paths(of course not on the one stretch of road I need to travel, but that's just my bad luck), so lots of people bike to get around. As long as it supports my weight, which I'd expect from a higher end brand, I think it's an excellent option that's under $400.

Also, Jeremy, I'm going to have to save for the bike, and I'm nowhere close right now, and I don't get paid until next Friday. So the sale is useless, sadly. :( But I'll remember that one with the panier. It looks like it has you leaning a bit far back for my tastes, though.

And, OF COURSE, the HotRock Street is no longer stocked by anyone near me. Darn my luck! I'll just have to try the seven and twenty one speeds and see which one works, if I fit of course. Though I'm pretty sure I will.

Also, suggestions for locks. I don't have a gigantic budget for locks, so I want to know what y'all think. We don't have a lot of bike thieves around here, I've literally seen people just leave their bike propped outside and have it be fine. However, I also know my luck. So, for a less expensive lock than the hundred dollar U locks, what would you guys recommend? I figured I'd ask here instead of cluttering up the forum with another new topic.