I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my biiiiiiiiike

The weather has been AMAZING the past couple of weeks and it just makes me want to go ride my bike around. Unfortunately my beloved diamond back (sans pedals) had to be abandoned in Maine for my own safety. It was sad but to be honest the bike was WAY too big for me (since it was my brother's long ago). So I've been shopping around for a new bike and OF COURSE the bike I finally decide on runs about $750!! Ouch. I just can't justify spending that much money on something that will probably get jacked the moment I move into the Mission. However, I think the cheaper options ($630 and $550) are much more stylish, which means more likely to get jacked. Hmmm. It's a predicament for sure. I honestly can't bring myself to spend that much money on a bike but I love it so much so I'll probably wait for my tax refund and see how much that is. Granted I should just put that in savings . . . oh well! I could look at other brands of bikes but Electra does such a wonderful job and their bikes are well built, comfortable, and super snazzy. Plus, they're a local company. Feast your eyes:



This is the Amsterdam Sport 9d ($750). I like it because it has handbrakes and 7-speeds which makes it a little more like a mountain bike. I like the feel of mountain bikes because that's what I've been riding my entire life. The 9d is also the most basic looking and thus maybe less jackable.



Ahhh the "original" Amsterdam ($630). These are known as "commuter" bikes because they are comfortable, have an enclosed gear system, a self-generating headlamp, and space to haul your stuff. Called the Amsterdam because they are EVERYWHERE in that city. Seriously, google it. I like it because it would be nice to have for grocery trips and rides out to the Marina for weekend picnics. Its downside is the coaster brake (those always freak me out) and it only has 3 gears. A nice guy at the bike shop explained that I only really needed 3 gears for what I would be using the bike for but I've concluded that he just doesn't understand. I ALWAYS use the in-between gears.



Ah, the Navy Ladies Cruiser ($550). Electra really shines with their cruisers, obviously created as functional art. These are more for design appreciation than utility but they get the job done. While this is the cheapest of the three, it is definitely the most flashy and thus, most jackable. As usual, the only issues I have with it are the coaster brake and it's a 3-speed. Even without the extra frills this is a really nice bike. I like that is has the rear rack like the Amsterdam for groceries/picnics (hehe). Unfortunately I can't have all three and as usual, I can't make a decision. So feel free to way in and leave a comment on which one I should look further into. Or if you have any comparable brands you know of, I'm definitely open to suggestions :D