Ah, Minneapolis. I was supposed to go to Twin Cities in December, but I'm skipping it to buy a bike.

Anyway, not too worried about the assembly part. That's what big brothers/friends are for! I did check out BikesDirect (liked this one http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm), but I'm trying not to spend too much especially since yes, I am totally new at this!

One thing I don't get (and here's where you can tell I'm REALLY a newbie): Why are single speed bikes always lumped together with fixed gear? I thought fixed gear simply meant you had to manually brake by backpedaling and that single speed just meant that there was one speed, but that there was still a brake system? This is why I wanted a single speed, haha. I don't think I could handle a fixie.

You're definitely right about getting fitted. Might as well do it, right? I'm just intimidated by bike shops so I've avoided them til now.

Thanks for the tips! p.s. if you go see Doomtree at First Ave in December, take pics for me.