I am in the market for my first "real" bike, used primarily to bike to work and back (less than 8 miles each way and mostly flat/ half city and half country riding). I'm trying to get going for $300 or less, which, I'm finding may be a pipe dream. Anyway, I found a newer Suede on Craigslist. My understanding is that this is more of a cruiser bike. Would it be a mistake to perhaps change the tires on it, ads some rackage and expect to actually make it to work?

I have also found a Raleigh M60 Hard Tail, but not sure if that would convert very well.

I don't know if it matters, but I'm 6' 2" 210# and in decent shape.

Thanks

That is not the bike I would buy if I had to do 8 miles each way. Keep looking. Too much of a cruiser for serious commuting.

If you can stretch the budget a bit, and if there is a dealer close by, the KHS Urban Xcape would work. Just have to accessorize it. Or for less money, but a bunch of goodies thrown in already, would be the KHS Green.

Too many bikes on Craigs list to have to force fit a bike to your needs. Instead try this absolute bargain. Can be had new for $370.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/8910/48614/

Add a Topeak Rack and a trunk for $75 and you have the pick-up truck of the commuting world.
Mine is the Escape 1 but the results are pretty much the same. EXCELLENT budget commuter.

Converting the M60 isn't that bad of an idea.

Borrow or test ride a bunch of different bikes. You're going to get tons of different opinions on what is the right 'type' of bike for you. People on this forum commute on everything from beach cruisers to cyclocross bikes. Better to know first what kind of bike you're comfortable riding at that distance before you shell out any money on it.

+1 only you will know whats right and works for you. So go try out some bikes and let use know what works for you.