Yea, if you're going to pick from those two, get the one with the reversible hub, that way you can ease into it. It is not like riding with free wheel, you really gotta focus on what your legs are doing plus think a few steps ahead so you have enough time to slow if need be. You may end up loving it or loathing it, so you may want to go to a shop and test a few models out, as they all have different feels to them, and ultimately the feel is what you're after. You won't be good with a bike that you don't feel in sync with, and you may end up taking a spill. Ask the bike shop folks about all the features and options you might want for your specific uses.. the more info you give about your needs the better recommendation they can make.

I do like the idea of a rack for anything transport, that way you can put anything on there, and leave your body free to do what it needs to corner etc a lil easier.

One last thing, is that you should always keep your mind open to different things. As much as i love hub shifters, i'm not going to go after a bike if the gearing ratios aren't what i am into or the fit and feel is wrong, and with a hub it is what it is, no changing it. Same with fixed speed, you might want to look into a shaft or belt drive if you don't want to worry about a chain, or maybe you do end up getting something with a cassette or IGH vs fixed. You may want to get a smaller or larger chain ring, which would alter your pedaling speed or cadence, that way it fits you perfectly. A guy i know who has a fixed speed has three chain rings that he alternates between. It's all about what fits you best!

- Andy