$600 budget - new, used, or last year's model?

[becksA]

I have never been an avid biker and know very little. I will be moving to a place soon for about a year where I won't have a car and will have about a 2-3 mile commute, as well as wherever else I want to go. I will be on pavement 80%, maybe a little bit of trail, but not much at all. So I don't need/want strictly a road bike with the curved handlebars and miniscule tires, but at the same time I want to be able to cruise pretty quickly on road surface. I'm pretty sure I want front suspension as well. I was browsing treks last night and I liked the 7300, seemed to fit my budget and what I need...i think? Haven't looked at other brands though. Any ideas much appreciated for a newb...

PS..I'm 6'6"

Thanks a lot!

 

[Eden]

Unless you intend to go off road and on some technical stuff why would you want front (or even seatpost) suspension. Maybe it gives a cushier ride but, it soaks up the effort you would prefer to be putting into the pedals!

For what you want to do I'd suggest a bike more like the Kona Dew Deluxe
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/DEWDELUXE/index.html
(or even the less expensive and very commute ready Smoke)
or the Marin Corte Madre
http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_corte_madera.html

These bikes will also take fenders and racks much more easily - I can imagine it may be difficult to fit a suspension fork with fenders.....

If you want to stick with Trek, maybe the 7.3 line?

 

[becksA]

good point. like i said, never really been a big biker, i just need one without a car. i just wrongly assumed most decent bikes ill be wanting should have at least a little suspension...i didn't know it took away from the pedaling that much. i will check out those links. thanks...