What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

you can get a good mongoose from walmart...

spray paint wont hurt the bike as long as its done right... that means taking the bike apart sanding, then primer, then apply what ever color...

more hassle then its worth...but if you want an oringal looking bike....go for it...just do it right

I just got a sic Haro BMX SR1 24 for my Bday. I think it is a 2006 but it looks like new. Not a scratch on it. The Ps got it for me on mirraclebikes.com. It had to be under $100 and they shipped it right to us.

I so LOVE IT! I ride it every day.

You do not want a bike that was asembled by the 16 year old kid earing minimum wage, using the cheapest made parts, at a discount store for the lowest price. Go to Wal-Mart and just try the brakes, on most of the bikes they do not function.

Try to spend a little more on a bike and you will not regret it. The bike will last longer and be safer. Search for a LBS (local bike shop), especially one that has people that want to help and not just sell you a bike. A good bike shop will help guide you to the bike that fits your needs and will offer support after the sale as well.

As far as spray painting a frame, it is not an easy task to do correctly since you need to disassemble the bike, sand and primer, keep the bottom bracket area and headtube covered to prevent overspray and then reassemble the bike. If you find an older steel bike that needs some work this might be fine since you will need to grease the bearings and make repairs to it. But if the bike is new, try using decals and personalized stickers to make your bike unique.

Good Luck!