I need bicycle buying advice?

[elk_highrose]

I'm in the process of planning to buy a bicycle; however, I would like to stay away from department store bikes because of their quality. I have been reading that bike stores are the best place to go to avoid such bikes. I need help on selecting the right bike.

Budget- I would like to stay under $200; however, I don't think that is possible to get a decent bike
Usage- Commuting around college, and to travel to nearby stores.
Preference- I don't really have a preference, but I think my criteria meets a hybrid or commuter bike.
Terrain- Roads and some grass.

Should I buy used and get a pretty good bike, buy new and get a decent bike, or should I just buy a not so good department store bike?

P.S. I should probably go to a bike store; however, they a long walk from my location. In the meantime I'd like to research more and have more information for the chance that I do go to a bike store.

 

[Michael]

ok i know a pretty good amount about bikes your best bet is to get a fixed gear a.k.a fixie it has a switch wheel either a fixie or single speed it depens on what kind you get and where u live i live in orange county and a pretty good bike is called draft it cost like $200 no more than $300 where i live mine is called a lagger it was over $600 but the good thing about fixies are u can go top speed about 35 mph to 40 mph a sumtimes u can get them under $200 dont waste your time looking on the internet those are like over $300 ya so good bike stores are epicbikestore, performancebycycle, and thats it.