TenorMadness

I thought Mongoose bikes were no good?

SlimRider

I don't know where you got that from?

They're kinda like Schwinn. They make two different tiers of bikes. They make the independent LBS bike, just like Schwinn's Signature brand, and they make the mass market, big box store bike brand.

The mass market stuff has low level componentry that may or may not be installed properly.

The independent LBS bikes have a higher level of componentry that's been properly installed by professionals.

The frames are all good!...Of course, there's no guarantee on the componentry with the big box store stuff.

That said, the Mongoose Sinsure is a big box store single speed. However, it's hard to screw up the build on a single speed. I mean, it would almost take a deliberate effort to screw it up.

For your 1 mile trek at school, your best bet will be something cheap with less liability while on campus.

PS.

Mongoose used to make the very best in BMX and MTN bikes!

TenorMadness

Oh okay. I thought Mongoose was the walmart brand or something. I knew I'd seen them in big box stores. I also saw some Schwinns in Target today and was wondering about that too. This is all beginning to make sense!

And Walgoose bike? A bike from Walmart, I'm assuming?

SlimRider

But of course!

NightShift

https://tuscaloosa.craigslist.org/bik/3000531935.html

NightShift

If you do go with a single speed I recommend you still keep an eye out for a cheap 3 speed. A 3 speed with a good hub can frequently be found for under $50. Having a backup bike is nice. Many old 3 speeds came with northroad handlebars, which I love and I highly recommend trying when you have the chance. And a 3 speed hub, or any good internal gear hub, can be a nice upgrade for a single speed bike.

catonec 

buy anything used and cheap that rides well. college campus's are a hotbed for bike theft. buy a great lock if you plan on keeping which ever bike you buy, maybe buy 2 locks. I like this one for $40 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-8290DPS-22-Inch-9-Link/dp/B0009V1WQQ
Only a mile both directions, maybe you'd be better off with a pair of roller blades

fietsbob

Tenor what ? Sax, Uke , Guitar, Banjo or Vocalist?

TenorMadness

Well I play tenor sax, but the name is a reference to the album Tenor Madness by Sonny Rollins. It's a great one, most known for the title tune where Rollins and John Coltrane play the blues together.

TenorMadness

I know one mile isn't that far. I'm just trying to get into cycling and avoid the parking permit fee on campus.

hybridbkrdr

I actually prefer the lower-end hybrids because they not only have rigid forks and a more comfortable riding position. With some more expensive models, you could end up with a riding position where you're leaning forward, suspension forks and disc brakes which I don't even know how to fix/adjust. Suspension forks can make you dive forward when you brake hard. And despite the tips I read here, I still prefer rigid forks.

Besides, you can more often get 36 hole wheels with V-brakes if the hybrid is not too expensive. I remember looking at either the GT Traffic 3.0 or 4.0 and thought it was a good deal. I can't recall which one but the one with V-brakes. So, if you look at the competition, there might be similar models that you might like.