As long as you have a decently made bike that fits you, you will be fine. Definitely buy used. You are probably far better off with a road bike, or something like that -- preferably NOT a mountain bike with its tires and frame unsuitably wide and heavy for road riding. (And I'd recommend against shocks.) Good brands in my book are Cannondale, Trek, Specialized. There are certainly others. Ask at your local real bike store. Also, you might ask there if you can post a request for buying a used bike. Most bike shop workers themselves have many bikes and would be happy to unload one for some cash. Or post on CL what you are looking for. In our area, we have a bike advocacy group that can help with all aspects of sizing and helping you buy used -- anything like that in your area? We're in a very hilly area, too -- after you get in shape, the hills are no big deal. I wouldn't necessarily recommend finding another route, as long as your route is otherwise good for biking. (Though some might think it's sick of me, I actually enjoy a hearty climb.) The level of your fitness is by far the biggest factor in how ably you handle hills, (more so than the caliber of your bike) and you can work on that now even with your crappy bike, while you look for something more suitable. Good luck.