If buying new, I'd just pick one up at Walmart that felt the most comfortable. Bicycles these day's can get so overly technical that prices can go up really fast.
So instead of paying on a top quality bike that can range from $500 to over a $1k, it's just better to find a decent $200 Schwinn, Mongoose, or Kent to get started with.
Personally if it were me I'd look for a used bike. If you like working on things, a quality used bike isn't a bad option either. You'll save money and learn how to do quick repairs if something happens on the way to work.
So instead of paying on a top quality bike that can range from $500 to over a $1k, it's just better to find a decent $200 Schwinn, Mongoose, or Kent to get started with.
Personally if it were me I'd look for a used bike. If you like working on things, a quality used bike isn't a bad option either. You'll save money and learn how to do quick repairs if something happens on the way to work.