Thanks guys.
So yeah, actually, I think I am going to go for a single speed. It like the simplicity of it, and would like to eliminate any variables for things that could go wrong or need repairs etc. Just give me a bike that goes forward. I'm not interested in being a speed demon either. I don't think there's very many hills in NYC. Probably the most difficult thing I'll have to traverse is going over bridges, and I was fine (albeit a bit of a challenge, but a fun challenge) doing it with a tiny BMX bike.
As to my physical condition... eh... I'm not in the best physical condition right now. I'm out of shape, but I'm not obese. I walk everywhere in NYC for the most part. I train in mixed martial arts (boxing, muay thai, wrestlng, and jiu jitsu) and have been training in martial arts on and off for quite a number of years now, although I am taking some time off right now so I can focus on work and other endeavors. So I wouldn't call myself an incredibly well-conditioned super athlete at the moment. But I don't get tired walking up a flight of stairs either.
I don't want to buy used. I feel like I would end up getting ripped off without even knowing it. I'd rather buy new from a store that can offer appropriate customer service for someone who is a beginner and just getting into this.
I went to a couple more stores today. Unfortunately, it started to snow today, so I didn't really test drive many bikes at all. Actually only got to ride a single speed bike from a company called Phat Cycles. It felt fine. Although, I'm a short dude and I have very short legs, the seat felt a bit high for me. They said they could cut it down a bit to make it more comfy. But after riding around on it, it actually felt fine.
The single speed Phat Cycle bike is $420.
How high should the saddle be? Like, in relation to how far I can reach down with my foot? While upright on the seat I could just barely touch the floor with my toes. Does that sound okay? Again, my only experience with bikes is riding a little bmx bike.
Bicycle Habitat had a Trek District S for $590. It's a bit out of my price range (wanted to keep it under $600 with tax). I'm open to getting it, if its a major difference in quality in comparison with the Phat Cycle (I'm sure it is) and/or the Felt Brougham (which is right at my price range, being just under $600 with tax).
One of the dude's at a bike shop i went to in Alphabet City (in the east village) was telling me that for the most part, almost all the bikes around the various price ranges under $1,000 aren't going to be much different since everything is manufactured in taiwan. Is that true? So in other words, one bike that goes for $600 isn't going to be much different than another brand that goes for $600. And if so, should I just choose the one that looks the coolest?
So the bikes that I am strongly considering now:
Phat Cycles for $420
Trek District S for $589.99 (a bit out of my budget, but if there's some reason that I absolutely should get this then I'd be open to it)
Felt Brougham which is $597 (that's with tax) - I think this is in the front running right now.
Some other bikes that the stores had in stock were:
Raleigh Misceo for $499.99
Fuji Feather for $599.99 (out of my budget)
Orbea Carpe for $560
Any input on the above models would be appreciated.