Any recommendations for a commuter?

[jesvetmed]

I just want to warn you about Knot . . . she is the great bike enabler. Sucks you in with a just come look . . . and the next thing you know your buying a bike!

LOL!!! OK... so I should or should not take Knot shopping?! I'm confused! Sounds like what I might need!

Unless you will be riding lots of dirt roads I'd stick to a 700c bike... I outfitted my hardtail MB with road tires, but really miss the efficiency of larger wheels. For the milage you're going to be doing, look for an old touring bike or road machine.

See, these are the things I need to know! THANKS everyone!
J

[Geonz]

I got a 1968 Schwinn Racer from ebay for $65 (including shipping - the bike was $32). SPent another $50 getting it overhauled and man, it was the perfect commuter. (Gotta fix that flat tire and it'll be perfect again.)

[Torrilin]

The bottom bracket looks a smidge high. A lot of sellers think all women are the same size, so I'd take the sizing comment with a *huge* grain of salt.

If it feels like a good fit on the test ride, it's probably ok, especially if you've got legs on the short side. My inseam is 29", which means 26" wheels tend to be a bit better for me. I have an easier time finding a small wheeled bike with good geometry for me. Smooth tires do make a big difference, and decent ones aren't an expensive upgrade.

I'd try to bargain them down. $175 is pretty steep for a low end bike (and by 2000, *all* step through frames were low end).