Bike!! continued ...

Last week I bought a bike helmet.  It's the Bern Lenox in turquoise and I love it!  It's a pretty color, comfortable, and super cute (as far as bike helmets go).  Also, it passes all the bike helmet certifications so it fulfills it's primary objective of being safe.

It also has air vents, but you can't see them very well from the picture.  If I get into serious, hard, summer biking I might get one of the more traditional looking helmets because they have more air vents.  For commuting around Boston and the occasional recreational ride, I think this is great.  

On Sunday, I tried out the Hubway bike sharing program with a day pass.  

I biked to and from MGH, about 8 miles total.  I was on the Esplanade, a bike/walking path along the Boston side of the Charles river.  Unfortunately, there are no Hubway stations in Cambridge yet, so I had to walk about half a mile to pick up the bike.  Still, it was a great way to get introduced to biking in the city.  Also, there's a Hubway station right next to MGH so it's very convenient on that end.  I got another day pass yesterday and biked to and from work.  

On Sunday, I also went browsing at different bike stores with my friend (also a co-resident).  

Things I'm looking for in a bike...

1. A hybrid bike (maybe a comfort bike that's on the faster side).  I want to be more sitting up, not hunched over, so I can notice traffic better and just be more comfortable.  
2. An aluminum frame - since it won't rust and will be lighter.  
3. Multiple gears - ideally 21 or more. I may settle for 7 if everything else is great and I'm able to maneuver on hills well on my test ride
4. Fenders - ideally included, but at least able to be added
5. Chain guard - not a necessity but a nice extra
6. Straight handlebars - not the racing curved ones
7. Slanted top bar - not necessarily a full "women's" model but something to make it easier to get on and off and to wear a skirt.
8. Comfortable seat - ideally included, but at least the ability to switch out
9. Kick stand
10. The capability to have racks/add a basket
11. Cuteness - or at least something that is not completely hideous

Here are a few bikes that interest me.  I've test-ridden the first two at Broadway Bicycle School (a great place - I would love to support them if possible).  I want to go back and try riding on a couple hills.  I still need to see and test-ride the third.

Marin Bridgeway Step-thru:  I saw this in the cutest green color. It rides great, comes with fenders, a chain guard, and a comfortable seat.  The only draw back is that it only has 7 gears.

Marin Kentfield cs1: A bit cheaper than the Bridgeway but the price evens out when you add the fenders and a kickstand (can't add a chain guard).  Maybe not as cute but not ugly either.  Very comfortable seat and smooth ride.  21 gears which is a plus - you might be able to ride a bit faster(?) and navigate hills better.

Trek Allant WSD: I haven't seen or ridden this yet.  Well, I did see it parked on the sidewalk (someone else's) and it looked really nice.  It's the most expensive of the bunch but still within my price range.  Comes with matching fenders, a front rack, and the seat looks comfy.  I don't think you can add a chain guard.  21 gears.