PAMFY

So first off, I tried to read all the relevant "read this first so you don't ask stupid questions" stickies but I'm not really "into" biking by any means so I'm sorry if I missed anything or if I have something completely wrong.

The last time I ever really rode a bike was around 14-15 when I used to take my mountain bike on trails (8-10 miles usually) for kicks, and I was never an expert or anything but I did enjoy it. Since I'm going to be going to college in Boston in the Fall I was considering getting a bike to get around, and just for exercise/pleasure too (for the 5-6 months it isn't freezing here, anyway). From what I've read and asked around about, a single speed seemed like a good option--cheaper in case I realize it isn't practical, and more simple (less parts/maintenance to worry about).

My question is, does this sound like it makes any sense? Anyone familiar with Boston/city traffic, does it sound practical for me to start out on my first real bike on the roads with "crazy" Boston drivers? I grew up in MA but not in the city so I'm not familiar with biking in an urban environment. I would also like to take it on other, longer, potentially non-city rides too for exercise etc. Would a single speed still sound like a good option in terms of cost and what I want to use it for? I'm not in perfect shape but I do have legs to get up the hills. All this is mind, if you have any recommendations on specific bikes (preferablly 400-500 tops) I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Peter

thewilson 

I ride in Boston occasionally, and ride around Boston frequently. You'll be totally fine with a single speed or fixed gear.
And of course obligatory Kilo TT response.

(as long as you lock your bike up appropriately don't worry about it getting stolen)

striknein

Kilo TT

or the cheapest bike you can find on craigslist since it's probably going to be stolen anyway

TejanoTrackie 

I've only had two bicycles stolen in my lifetime, and one of them was stolen while I was a grad student at MIT in Cambridge, which is across the Charles River from Boston. The other was stolen while I was an undergrad student at Columbia U in NYC on Manhattan Island. I got doored once in Cambridge by a parked Taxi, but other than that didn't have any serious problems riding there and in Beantown.

Leukybear 

Go the cheap conservative route and get a u-lock with accessory cable. Brush up on lock up techniques.
Do not lock up in obscure places or overnight and do not get lazy on a lock up job to save a couple of seconds considering punishment a possible punishment is a long agonizing walk home sans bike.

And after you lock up, do not forget to remove your lights!

PAMFY

Thanks a lot guys, I have seen the Kilo TT mentioned a lot so I'll look into that. In terms of theft, how bad is that really? I mean I know it happens all the time every day, but if you're not locking your bike improperly/in a dark, untraveled, risky place is that just inevitable? I know no amount of locks can stop someone with the time and tools to do it, but if I did actually get a decent bike I would also get 2-3 good locks as well. Plus I'll be in a single room so I wouldn't try to leave it locked outside if I didn't have to. I know crime of opportunity is impossible to accurately predict but if I'm just biding my time until it gets taken then I guess I'd go the cheap $100 CL bike route.
@Tejano, thank you for the info that's reassuring. I've heard things on both ends--people that love biking everywhere they need to go and have no problems, and then people who talk about getting doored and elbowed and thrown (really?) off their bikes on purpose because "people hate bikers" (or something I honestly don't know, that's literally how they described it and they loved and do love cycling, just not when they were in Boston)--so I guess if looks like it makes sense then I'll just have to see for myself. Plus I'd only plan on riding my bike in the city if I needed to get somewhere and didn't want to use the T (I don't necessarily enjoy public transit), and if I wanted to go for an actual ride I'd find somewhere farther out from the city or at least the center.
@Leukybear, I would consider the cheap bike route too, do you have any suggestions for something new or just something off craigslist that looks alright?

Anyway I'll continue looking into the idea and thanks for all the info already.