I second looking for a used bike when you want to maximize the amount of value you get for your money.

I know there was someone else on here who was putting in some serious mileage on her huffy - I can remember her avatar picture, but not her name.

The important thing is that you're out and riding your bike, no matter what type of bike it is - a walmart bike that gets ridden is way better than an expensive bike shop bike that doesn't get ridden.