Thank you all for the awesome responses! This forum is really responsive.

As this will be my only bike, I am opting for the 6 gears.

I was leaning towards the most popular M type handle bars, as it seemed to make the most sense. I don't think I will be speeding with it but I want the most versatile handle bar. How / why is the S "better" than the M? Is it just a "flex" issue? I am not very heavy (140 lbs) so didn't think I'd have to worry too much about the flex.

About the raw laquer - the extra few hundred to get this color upgrade seems to me a bit steep unfortuantely.

how is rolling WITHOUT the rack but with the 2 EZ wheels? Does that work well?