I'm looking for a commuter bike, 1st bike in 10+ yrs. I live in NYC and will be riding to and from work and around the city. I've been doing some research online and plan on going into some stores to look at some bikes. I was wondering if there are some important things I should look for? And, what bs I should look out for when I'm looking so I don't get swindled?

Visit the LBSs in your area and talk to both the employees/owners and the customers in the store. Ask a lot of questions and see how the LBS treats you. Avoid those who try to push the floor models on you by convincing you that it's the right bike for you.

My personal belief is instead of shopping for a bike you should shop for a bike shop. Once you find a shop that seems right buy the bike they have that feels best.

First post I've ever seen like this here. Let me think about it for a while and get back to you.

So I've narrowed my specs down and thing I want to get a bike with a hub gear system. I've looked around the web and see listing that say "Single speed freewheel hub". Does that mean that it has different speeds? Also, can a single speed be easily converted to internal geared bike?

Single speed freewheel hub means that it is only one speed, but you can coast when you so choose. Another form of single speed, that of the fixed gear, requires that the pedals move whenever the drive wheel is spinning.

As for the conversion, that likely depends on the frame spacing but I'll leave that to more knowledgeable folks to address.

A frequent contributor here AdamDZ has a blog he just started. He has some good info you might want to check out. Its called NYC Bike Commuter (I am unsure if I'm allowed to link the site or if its considered bad policy to name it. If so I will edit my thread. You may want to message him).

As far as your buying choice goes It depends on what you plan on doing. Will you commute and carry stuff? Will you want to do some distance work? Do you want to go fast? Etc, etc, etc.

If you take up bicycle travel very seriously, there is a good chance you eventually will want fenders. Some bikes come with them, some don't. If they don't, you can add them...IF...there are attachment points down by the hubs. Not all bikes have them, especially mountain bikes.

Similarly, not all bikes have the places to which you can attach a rear rack.

You should look for these items. If you get a bike that has them, then you do not have to attach fenders or a rack, but you could if you wanted to later. If the bike does not have those items, then it is much harder to attach fenders and a rack.

My personal viewpoint is that in order to keep my motivation up, I make it a game to see if I can be equipped to ride in all weather conditions. That requires the fenders. I also stop at the grocery store on the way home just because I pass right by it, and that requires the rack. Your personal needs could change as time goes by.

I also have found, at the age of 60, that the bent-over ("aggressive" as they say) riding position is not so comfortable day after day. Personal preference of course, but I would recommend riding one of the "hybrid" or "comfort" bikes to see how you like them.

If you haven't already, borrow a bike for a few weeks and see if riding around NYC is comfortable to you. If you're lucky maybe you can borrow enough different types of bikes to see what feels comfortable too. Then go to a shop knowing what kind of bike you want and look at the different options.

For commuting racks are a must. Fenders are only necessary if you plan to ride in the rain. Of course you can't plan the weather, but you'll know which days to leave the bike home.

Single speed is NOT what you are looking for, you are looking for internal gear hubs. They may look the same as there is no derailleur, but they are totally different. You don't want to try converting one as it is more trouble than its worth and will probably cost more than the bike. Since you are buying new, just buy the bike you want with the features you want.

Try Sids on 34th, Toga on the UWS, NYC Velo on 2nd, Bike Brooklyn, R&A, Roys Sheepshead (way down there in Brooklyn). Lots of others, but those come to mind.