Admitted bike newb here.

I have tried to do my due diligence and do my own research before coming here. But like most things, I'm not sure if I am spending hours trying to learn about something that would shave .000001 seconds off my commute or whether I am spending the time on something that really matters.

I live in Philly (mostly flat) and am looking for something to get around the city (five-ish miles or so). I have narrowed it down to two bikes, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Linus Gaston 3 and the Felt York.

I've spent a while trying to parse reviews and opinions, but one of my biggest hangups is that I don't know good components from crap ones.

Any experience or insight would be appreciated and let me know if I can provide any information that might be helpful.

Than you in advance for your time!

I'd go for the Linus Gaston 3 in Philly. Your knees will thank you with a Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub. Its a classic all round city bike.

The Felt York is a one speed singlespeed/fixie and it doesn't justify the extra $100 premium.

I absolutely love an IGH bike and I have 8 speed Shimano Alfine for my mountainous area. 3 speed is more than enough for Philly.

You will be well served with it.

Thanks Norman!
Is that based solely on the three speed versus single speed difference?
I know that's one difference. I'm also wondering about differences in specs and components.

I appreciate the help!

I can tell you that no one's slick as Gaston, no one's quick as Gaston, no one's neck is incredibly thick as Gaston's

The Felt looks a little nicer quality (butted tubing etc) but gears are probably more important.

They both have 4130 chromoly frames. Main difference is the Felt York has 25 C tires and the Linus Gaston has 35 C.

I would go with the difference in speed and wider tires, all things being equal since the frame quality is the same. The Gaston does not have fenders but its simple enough to install after-market fenders on it if needed.

And you do get more for the money with the Linus Gaston.

This is definitely helpful Darth. Thank you.

What is the difference between 25 C and 35 C?
Also, I definitely want to add fenders and a rack.

Speaking of a rack, is the difference between a front or rear rack just preference?

25 C is a road bike tire width and 35 c is a commuting bike tire width. 35 c is better suited to riding rough roads and carrying loads.

If you want to add fenders on the Gaston, you may have to size down to 32 C to get them to fit. SKS and Planet Bike make high quality plastic fenders. As far as rear racks go, Old Man Mountain is reasonably priced and durable.

For panniers, I have 40 L Basil Cote D'Azur panniers from a respected Dutch manufacturer. Plenty generous enough to haul home a month's worth of groceries from the store in two round trips.

Super helpful Norman, as always. Knowing the difference between tire widths seems wise and the pointers about fenders, baskets and bags is also sage.

Also, I contacted Felt and they have some of the 2013 Yorks which have two speeds laying around. Just wondering if that affects any thoughts on which bike might be a better fit.

Easy choice here.
The Felt is an evening and weekend show bike with a very short wheelbase.
The Gaston will make a fine commuter. They do lack many sizes tho. SA hubs can be as fast as anything. I've almost always used 35 mm tires, only Schwalbe ones the last 5 years.

The Felt has a nicer looking crank, modern threadless headset and stem, fenders, front rack and frame bag. The Linus has larger tires (and no doubt more tire clearance in the frame), and 3-speed SA IGH. But it also has a 1" threaded quill stem, which may be a plus to some or a negative for others. As others have said, I would probably go for the Linus for the gearing and lower price, then use the money saved to add fenders and probably a rear rack.

At their root, they are superficially the same handlebars on very different frames. The Gaston is built on an English 3-speed style frame, heavy and slack and stable, and the Felt is built on a fixie frame, lightweight with nimble/twitchy steep angles.

As a specimen, yes, I'm intiiiimidating... Sorry, can't get it out of my head.

Does the Felt come with the rack and fenders? If so, it looks like a better value. Of course, you could get them as add-ons to any bike. The same is true of a 3-speed rear wheel.

Yes but the Felt already costs $70 more or something like that. And if you swap that to a 3-speed you're going to be exceeding $900-$1,000 all inclusive. Couple that with possibly less tire clearance.

Of those two I would absolutely get the Linus.

However I would consider similar alternatives, like the Bikes Direct city bikes or Public Bikes. IMO the BD bikes are similar quality at lower prices, and the Public bikes are better quality at similar prices. The problem with these two is they tend to be low stock, though.

Consider also Biria, if it's available near you.