I checked on prices at a couple of boutique or mom and pop type places, Target, K-Mart, and Toys R Us, and ended up getting a "Huffy" from K-Mart. The "Huffy" was pretty close to what I was looking for (6 speeds, street-riding), plus my first bike a gazillion years ago was a "Huffy".
I bought a schwinn "aluminum comp" from wall-mart a couple of years ago. I took it out that day, and brought it back that same day. Do buy one that fits your budget, but also get on that you are going to feel comfortable with even if you pay a little more. I do not ride road bikes I am into mountain biking there, I could help you.
Ligolas...