So, I did my research and drove myself crazy trying to find a good commuter bike that I would like, but would not cost too much and I would not freak out locking it up outside at work. First, I bought a Schwinn Sidewinder mountain bike at Walmart. I liked it but it was heavy and slow, and then I had to take it to the shop twice but the bottom bracket & crankset still kept coming loose. Not worth the $165 bucks. I returned it and tried to go the LBS or Craigs list used route but it just was not working for me. Finally, I went to Target and got a Schwinn Tourist hybrid with rapid fire shifters. It totally suits my needs for only $259. Hopefully it will stand the test of time, we will see.
The really funny part of the story is that I am so used to high pressure in roadie tires, that the first time I inflated the mountain bike tires I immediately blew the back one out. I mean it made this scary noise, I guess while the tube was expanding and then it sounded like a gunshot! I literally dove behind the couch because I was afraid the bike was blowing apart... LOL! Learned my lesson!
