Hello From Arkansas
 

I grew up riding my 18 speed ALL over town, to school, work, friends houses, etc. I'm 29 now and have been through back surgery at age 21ish. No worries, it doesn't slow me down a bit. I have an old Schwinn High Sierra my dad gave me and have joined up here to learn more about newer bikes and what will be fit my needs.
I went on a short 12 mile ride in Little Rock on the River Trail and have gotten the itch to start riding more. Looking forward to learning more from the site.
Any suggestions for a good new or used large frame, 18 or 21 speed for under $500? There are sooo many options it's hard to know where to start. Thanks!!

Hello and welcome.

The best way to start narrowing your options is to figure out what kind of riding you will be doing. Seeing that you have ridden quite a bit, you probably also have an idea of what you are looking for in a bike, what is important to you and what is not.

--J