Thanks for the replies!

I hadn't even realized how many bike shops there are in NYC. Does anyone know of that bike dude that basically sets up shop at the Flea Market on Ave. A (and I think 11 st.?) in Manhattan? A buddy of mine bought his bike from him and says I should check that dude out and I could get a good deal from him.

I realize, that I should probably also keep in mind that if/when I do buy my bike, if an issue were to come up that it would make sense to buy from a store that will be conveniently accessible and will offer a good policy on repairs and tune-ups. (I Live in Manhattan) So, as tempted as I am to check out the shops in BK, I figured I should probably stick to the stores in Manhattan, being that it would just be easier to take my bike in for any issues should they arise.

With that said, I think that is also one of my concerns regarding potentially buying from the dude at the flea market. I think he's only there on weekends, and I don;t know if he's a good mechanic or not (I didn't even realize that there's such a thing as good bike mechanics and bad ones, I figured dudes just fix bikes or don't know how to).

Thanks again for the replies.

Some of the other suggestions that came up are:

The Torker Graduate

Jamis Coda Sport

Trek Earl

Any opinions on those bikes?