Aggressive bike geometry means lower handlebar and shorter wheelbase, i.e one that's build for speed. This is usually not a good choice for beginners and for commuters in general: back and neck strain, squeezing your goodies down there, worse field of view, etc. You probably want something more relaxed, meaning higher handlebar. Not a cruiser though:) Most people should be comfortable with handlebars just above the seat level. As you get better you may want to lower your eventually, but it's probably better to start with higher bars.

^^^ Yes, after test riding a couple of bikes, I realize that I want something with a somewhat relaxed geometry.

I test rode a Trek Earl today.

The local bike shop (actually just one block away from my house) has them.

It's a nice ride and very cool bike.

Although that whole thing about being able to fit 2 or 3 fingers between my balls and the top tube stand over height deal did not apply. When standing over the top tube, it pretty much goes right into me, barely room for one finger.

The bottle opener is a nice touch. Although I don't drink anymore.

So if the geometry is exactly like the Nashbar Hounder, I'm not so sure it would work out for me. Although I never ever want to have kids, I would still be worried about crushing my balls or breaking my pelvic bone if I ever got into an accident and landed on the top tube.

There's still time for me to think things over and try out other bikes. The master tech (who decides the estimates for credit when swapping stock parts for replacements and upgrades) won't be in at REI until Tuesday, and I might have a bit of free time tomorrow afternoon and Monday to look around more and stall.

I think I might go ahead and give the Jamis Coda 2011 or Jamis Coda Sport 2012 a test ride at EMS tomorrow. I might as well.

Overall now that I am thinking it over, I would say that the Felt Brougham felt like the smoothest ride (not sure that that makes any sense), Phat Cycles Phixie felt similar to the Brougham, Trek Earl nice ride but not as smooth as the Brougham, and the Novara Buzz One felt the comfiest (in terms of geometry I guess).

All other bikes that I test rode I don't even remember.

How are "smooth" and "comfy" different, in the way you're using them?

Smooth, as in, it felt like when going foreword there was little drag (you know, now that I realize it, it might have been become it was ridiculously windy today). Or maybe because the tires were noticeably thinner on the Brougham and the Phixie.

Comfy, as in, the geometry of the frame allowed me to sit at a more natural feeling position.

What happened to the REI bike you liked? I would stay away from any bike that you cannot test ride since this is your first bike.

The Buzz One is still the front runner, but the OP is still doing test rides of some of the models others have mentioned. And he is sticking to his guns about trying before buying.

Can someone Help?!?

I am new to cycling and me and a friend are going to a charity cycle from london to Rome. We both are students and need to buy good but cheap road bikes as we are both students. Could someone advise me if one of these to bikes would successfully get us to our destination, despite them being so cheap.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160737574471#ht_1006wt_958

or

http://www.bikes-by-mail-order.co.uk...source=message

thanks