Ghetto Jack

I'm moving to San Francisco this summer, and it's becoming painfully obvious to me that the bikes I have are completely impractical for riding in The City. I currently ride either a 1987 GT Performer, a 1991 Bridgestone City Limit, and a 1960-something Schwinn Collegiate. Riding a freestyle bike daily isn't going to work in San Francisco's terrain, and the Schwinn is too heavy, with too few gears. The Bridgestone is awesome, but way too small. I'm looking for something to use for around-town riding, and I'd prefer something old and funky over something new and shiny. Budget? $500 or less. Preferably much less. I'm a cheap bastard.

So, what would you recommend? All I really care is that it's a realistic, do-all city bike.

knotty

I ride a hardtail MTB with fat, smooth tread road tires. Wouldn't ride anything else for a all around citybike. Strong frame, more upright position, fat tires for rough streets and jumping up and down curbs and MTB gearing for any hill in SF. I imagine Craigslist would have some.

kellymc

Buy something cheap as it will likely be stolen in the first month

DiabloScott

LOL, you'll love the housing prices... roughly the equivalent of three new bikes per month.

c0lnago

Anything cheap & used...preferably with a few gears for the hills.

hueyhoolihan

i picked up a gary fisher tassahara (no suspension anywhere) mtb for about 15 dollars off SF craigslist a few years ago. well used, but perfectly serviceable. the previous owner wanted a new bike for commuting.