Originally Posted by
ShinyBiker
A consideration for you is whether you have hills in your area.
I agree that this is an important consideration.
There are situations in which "fixed" and single-speed bicycles are appropriate and even desireable. For most casual riders, however, I think that having a few gears is helpful -- once the rider understands why and how to change them. A range of gears extends the range of terrain (uphills/downhills) and conditions (headwinds, etc.) in which the rider is "comfortable" with the effort.