What are some decent affordable bikes?

[sponger42]

I just picked up a fully-operational 24 speed Huffy mountainbike for $3.95 yesterday. Gave it a full checkup--chain, gears, sprockets, brakes, and cabling are all fine. Just need one new inner tube and it'll be ready to ride.

I'm telling you; thrift stores.

[laurbell]

My friend bought a bike with automatic shift, is this a good investment for a new rider?

[j1n]

Originally Posted by laurbell

My friend bought a bike with automatic shift, is this a good investment for a new rider?

Like the bicycle version of an automatic transmission?? Wow, I've been out of the "bike loop" apparently!
If it's something that can sense the gear needed for, say, a long uphill...and switches to that gear for you...that's pretty cool. Although there is a lot to be said for really knowing your bike...and knowing what gears are needed for what.