Originally Posted by
saturninin
Okay thank you does anyone else have any thoughts on it?
what speed would be recommended?
You can still get drivetrain parts for 7-speed or 8-speed rear ends, as well as 9, so any of those is OK. Make sure to get a decent lock for it. For college campuses, I'd go with a Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 u-lock and
make sure to use it effectively.
Given a choice, I'd go with a bike that has a rigid fork (not a shock fork) and regular rim brakes (not disc brakes). That'll reduce the attractiveness to thieves, and may simplify maintenance.