What Bike should I look for? 5 miles a day?

5.5 miles is only a short distance, so is easily achievable & any bike will do the job.

I regularly ride that distance on a 1970's era, steel, 20inch wheel, 3-speed hub gear bike without any hassles.

For an all-purpose commuter bike, here are some features you might to consider:

A rigid fork (you don't really need front suspension on sealed roads)

And the ability to add racks (to carry pannier bags) & some fenders

If you want to buy from performance bikes, the Fuji Crosstown 4.0 Comfort Bike

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product2_1005... might be suitable.

My personal recommendations for a new commuter bike, is in the Trek Fx bike range, like this one http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/...

That type of bike is very versatile - it can be used for commuting, getting groceries, fitness training, long distance riding & even bike touring.

It's a very common style of frame, so many other bicycle companies have similar models.

All that said, the best thing to do, would be to go your local bike shops & see what styles are available.

Tell the staff what you want it for & your price range, and give some bikes a test ride.

I'm sure you'll find your ideal bike.

Try to make room in your budget for accessories like a helmet, a decent lock, front & rear lights (if night riding) & bright clothing (like a fluro safety vest).

right

no shocks

don;t get a mt bike if you will never go off road [or easy trais]

a comfort bike is fine if there is no off road

5 miles isn;t far

but later you may want to ride farther

the comfort bike will still work for you

also, you mention the 'ideal bike'

usually this comes with a budget

if you are unlimited, i would say get a nice road bike for about $1000

even $550 can get you a really nice, fast, good bike

on the other hand if you just ride to school, school can be a theft target and a $1000 bike might not last long

wle.

Sadly, Schwinn just isn't what it used to be. Two of the three bikes use a cheapo SRAM rear derailleur. The M/B - a bottom end Shimano Tourney. Have you checked out Amazon.com and/or Diamondback bikes? Diamondback Edgewood LX - you'll get 'double-walled' rims, a Shimano Altus rear derailleur, Shimano EF-50 quick fire or easy fire shifters and much more. All for an extra $50.00.

The first one is the best for commuting. Spend a little more and get the Fuji Absolute you don't need shocks for commuting they eat up energy.