Originally Posted by james1024

Well, today I sold my car and bought my bike. I wound up getting a Gary Fisher Simple City 3, made by Trek:

2010 Fisher Simple City 3 - Bike Archive - Trek Bicycle

I really like this bike. It's got everything I need. It has a Shimano 3-speed IGH, which I definitely prefer over the single-speed I looked at yesterday. It does have a coaster brake in the rear, but it also has a front caliper brake for emergencies. I really like that I don't have to worry about the hub and rear brake gumming up. I'll be able to shift and brake regardless of weather, which is subject to change minute-to-minute here in Florida. It also has fenders, a chain guard, and a front rack and basket(not mentioned or shown in the Trek link above). Saddle and bar are comfy.

I got the bike new for $640, after tax. I may have been able to find a better deal at one of the other shops, but I'll be passing the Trek dealership everyday on my way to school, and it's also the closest shop to my home. So, future convenience factored in here. I should easily get two or three years out of this thing, long enough to plan and save for my next bike.