[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Cory

I'd avoid the K-Mart bikes like the plague, Elgin. The cheapest bike you can find at your local bike shop is going to be better than anything K-Mart sells.

That's why I pointed him to used bikes. You just can't get a good new bike for $250. Even back in the dawn of time when I started cycling you couldn't find a good road bike for less than about $300. I paid $600 for a new Cannondale SR500 in 1990 and it still rocks. The current SR500 goes for about $1,000. You can find a used one occasionally for $200. When you can choose a good used bike like a Dale or Trek or Fisher or Marin or Bianchi or Specialized or ... why buy a $250 department store tank?

Also, as long as I'm on the soapbox, buying a heavy, crappy bike to "work harder" is crazy. You'll never enjoy pedalling a motorcycle as much as you will riding a real bike. I went from a decent Japanese bike to my Cannondale, and I went on to ride faster, farther and more often, with a lot more hill climbing and all-around fun. There is nothing satisfying about riding a heavy, bad-shifting junker. A good bike will inspire you to greater achievements, whil a garbage bike will just encourage you to stay home and watch TV. Like any other tool, getting the best you can afford always makes sense.