@tytbody, bikes used to be sold as "toys", when in fact a good bike is a simple, yet durable piece of machinery that is human powered. They're not toys. I know people who have sold their cars and rely solely on their bikes for all transportation. You get what you pay for when it comes to components, how frames are welded and their material, wheel, hubs, you name it. It's worth the effort to do some research and know what kind of riding you anticipate doing. Don't buy a bike for your needs right now, because there will be a learning curve, but try to anticipate how you will be riding in a year and buy a bike that fits that need. I'm not saying that if you're new to cycling to go buy a $2,000 commuting bike, but sometimes cheap bikes that aren't fit correctly and have problems just aren't enjoyable to ride, so the rider gets discouraged and quits. So there's that $500 bike collecting dust, when if they spent more for a better quality bike that fits they may find riding to be completely enjoyable.