I'm buying a mountain bike to commute (eg. work, gym, store). What should I buy?

My limit is $500.00. I think full suspension would be nice. I need speed. And It has to look sharp!

If your spending limit is $500, you might barely be able to get a full suspension bicycle retail store brand for that much, but I doubt it, unless it's used.

You can get a WAL-MART 'Next', full suspension, for under $200, but it's monkey junk, and anyone who knows bikes will know you tried to look cool while being cheap.

You will undoubtedly get many different answers, but personally, as a dealer, I would recommend a Trek 3700, or 4300 if you want to hit just under $500 you can still do it with front suspension. The 3700 is available in silver, or red/white, and the 4300 comes in black. Trek is the #1 bike shop brand name in America, they come with LIFETIME warranties on all frames, and 1-2 years on parts. They are both dealer, and user friendly, and easy to repair.

Full suspension will eat speed. They work well if you pay $800+ and go off road, not on. You will regret it immediately.

Get a hybrid/city bike. It looks like a mountain bike, but with the speed like a road bike. They have the best features of a mountain bike and a road bike. And they're lots lighter too.

Want more cush for your tush? Go with larger volume tires, a sprung saddle, or a suspension seatpost. All are much cheaper, more reliable, and much lighter. Plus it says you know where it's at!

Go to a good local bike shop and buy the bike that fits you best. Fit is most important because you will then want to ride it. Another brand might look cool, but just not work with you. Seen it way too often. I've done it myself and had to sell the bike. Trust me. Fit is king!

Any mountain bike with full suspension will not be good unless its over about a grand. This would be both above your set budget as well as you needs. You should look into a hybrid bike, it will have minumal front suspension if any. Go to your local bike shop (not walmart) and talk to them, be sure to mention the types of roads you will be riding on. They should be able to set you up.

on the road, you're better off NOT getting suspension.
it adds weight and robs power.
get a hybrid, with rack, lock and lights.
get some reflective stuff.
consider fixed-gear, especially for urban traffic.

You are not going to get a full suspension bike for $500 and they are slow. If you want speed get a road bike.