Ever since gas prices started rising, the economy took a downward turn and there was an onslaught of “go green” campaigns bike shops have been hitting record numbers and new shops are opening left and right.  With new shops and an increased interest in biking and bikes there has been a new focus on design, color and usability.  Top manufacturers and smaller manufacturers alike have been rolling out some awesome new “urban/commuter” bikes that make commuting easy and stylish.  Prices range, but these are not your $4,000 road bikes.  Good bikes are upwards of $900, but all ranges are available.  Check out a great list of 2009 bikes in varried ranges at Urban Velo.  When choosing a bike, there is no full fledge method for each rider.  The best thing to do is test ride each bike that your interested in.  All sizes vary depending on the company and size is only the beginning.

Trek District

Trek’s new belt-driven District single speed commuter bike is out of this world smooth, but not sure on the amount of “chain slippage” on major uphills.  Great for flat areas though.

Republic Bikes

Republic Bikes