Norman,

Thanks for the tips. The LBS here had a Simple City on Friday that I fell in love with. Unfortunately the frame was too big an it is out of my price range right now. My goal is to save up and buy something like this that may need a bit of work in the future.

I got the bike! Frame is a great size for me! It's LIGHT which is another plus. Needed some bolts tightened, some work on the breaks, which I did myself. I actually don't mind doing that and am learning a lot by taking things apart and putting them back together. I put the basket on and was on the road. Already went grocery shopping and to work - perfect. The tire kit is great and convenient and I love my helmet. The LBS was really helpful in finding a bike size for me and getting me a helmet that it. I have a very small head for an adult, so I had to pay a little more, but they made sure that I could get something in my price range. I was so glad I went there instead of a big box. We used to have a great bike shop at home when my parents would bike every weekend (they both had rode bikes that easily cost a couple grand each), but then there were really no more good LBS's around and they pretty much quit cycling. I really forgot how nice a local shop is. The bike lock (u-lock) was on sale and works great. Most people don't even bother with those.

The bike is definitely not "pretty", but nothing is wrong with it and it works great for what I need. I rode it 10 miles home through some treacherous traffic and through construction without an issue. I am glad I kept up with spinning and use my sister's trainer in the basement a lot because I am able to keep up with the cars on city streets okay. Hills are the bane of my existance, but the frame is SO MUCH better than my old bike. I don't have back pain like I used to!

I rode it to work today in 5 minutes instead of the normally 20-minute bike ride. So much easier. And I love the breeze I get on the downhill!