Thanks for all the responses, lots of helpful information and suggestions.
I still have to check out more bike shops. So I'll ask about the models you guys mentioned. I probably won't go out of my way to order a bike off the internet that I haven't been able to ride. So basically, I'm going to narrow it down to just what the local bike shops have in stock.
So, to answer some of the questions posted:
I don't plan to ride ridiculously long distances. Basically the furthest I want to travel with the bike is maybe biking to another borough (like easily accessible parts of Brooklyn i.e. Williamsburg, DUMBO, Downtown BK, Parkslope might be a stretch, or Astoria, Long Island City, etc.) and of course around Manhattan.
Any areas really out of my way, or if I have to get somewhere in a rush for work purposes, or if I have to transport equipment. I'll probably be using public transportation. I'll probably, at least initially, use the bike for leisurely strolls, running quick errands, getting over to friends' places. or just getting places when I know I am not incredibly strapped for time.
Richard4993
Thanks, yeah, I haven't checked out Bicycle Habitat yet. I plan on going there tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion.
Can you recommend any other good bike shops? I've checked out Bikes By George (he showed me a bike and was nice, but after mentioning the bike, an Origin8 for and his price, $495, to the other bike shops, they respectfully informed me that I would have gotten ripped off). Landmark Vintage was helpful, even though they weren't selling the kinds of bikes I was interested in, the dude there still helped me out. Busy Bee Bikes was super nice and informative. NYC Velo was also extremely nice and helpful. Right now, I am leaning towards getting the Felt Brougham there.
MichaelW
Yeah, those were the bikes that the stores (that I've checked out so far) recommended to me. I don't plan on riding a fixed gear bike. But based on what I was telling the people at the stores, those were the suggestions they gave me. Given, that the models I listed were flip-flop hubs. I will probably ride free wheel.
No, I don't plan on carrying luggage or any sort of cargo that would require a rear rack. If I'm in a situation where I will be carrying or picking up some cargo (aside from what I can fit into my backpack) I will not be cycling.
Don't care to put fenders on my bike. Just the bare minimum.
Most of the details you mentioned went way over my head. During winter time, I probably won't be biking around much. It has been a very mild winter here (global climate change), but I plan on not riding when it's brutal outside.
Thanks Slimrider,
I'm not looking to up the budget much. I'm willing to go to $600 (with tax) but no more than that.
The terrain I will be traversing is mostly concrete paved streets. There's not very many hills in New York City. I don't have plans on going off-road, but wouldn't mind having the option and not needing it.
"3) What type of cycling condition are you in, generally?"
Sorry, I don't really understand the question. What do you mean by cycling condition? And what do you mean by generally?
There's no set time for my commute. I will be using it just to get around, take leisurely rides, get to places, run errands etc.
Yes, based on my research and talking to friends and colleagues who bike, I am looking to buy a decent single speed bike.
Thanks for the suggestions no1mad. Yeah, I kinda felt that a hybrid would be my best bet. But based on all the information and the needs and concerns I mentioned to the bike shops, those were the models they suggested. The guy at NYC Velo, said that the Felt Brougham wasn't exactly a hybrid bike, but it was a road frame with some hybrid parts and it would be a good choice for my needs.
thanks Rockfish, yeah I don't plan on hauling much of anything more than a laptop and anything else that can fit in my backpack. What's an IG bike?
Good thinking 1nterceptor. I should just test a geared hybrid and a single speed
Ok, so I guess I'm going to have to check the stores if they have Torker Graduate. I thought about getting something from Bikes Direct, but I'm not comfortable ordering something over the internet that I cannot test drive.
Thanks so much for the replies everyone!