I can't decide! Public V7 vs. L Train vs. Bedford 7 vs. Linus Roadster 3i/7i
 

My wife and I want to start biking (the sweet girl is Salvadoran and never learned how to ride a bike...or drive for that matter!!) for leisure and I want to commute just a few miles to work. I don't expect heavy, daily usage. But I'm a snob, I truly am. Fountain pens, exquisite leather bindings for Bibles and prayer books, leather bags, etc. So, it really has to look sharp and classic, which is where the Linus line first caught my eye. We live in Arkansas, so it's pretty hilly. I am 5'9 and my is 5'5, respectively.

I compiled a short list of specs that were readily available, but I've not owned a bike since I was a kid, which was a sold 20 years ago. I'd love some expert advice, since I'm still learning so much about the complexity of bikes (which I love!)

I'd love your opinion!!

Public V7 Price: $600
Color: Green
Gears: 7
Fenders: Included
Chainguard: included
Drive: metal
Hub: ?
Puncture resistant tires: yes
Reflective tire wall: no
Weight: 32 pounds

Brilliant L Train
Price: $650
BLM: no
Color: grey
Gears: 7
Fenders: no
Chainguard: no
Drive: carbon
Hub: internal
Puncture resistant tires: ?
Reflective tire wall: no
Weight: 27 pounds
(Must buy kick stand, wheel guards, chain guards, etc)

Brooklyn Bedford 7
Price: $500
Color: grey
Gears: 7
Fenders: no
Chainguard: no
Drive: metal
Hub: external
Puncture resistant tires: yes
Reflective tire wall: no
Weight: 26-31 pounds

Linus Roadster Sport 3i
Price: $609
Color: desert
Gears: 3
Fenders: yes
Chainguard: no
Drive: metal
Hub: internal
Puncture resistant tires: ?
Reflective tire wall: yes
Weight: 32 pounds

Linus Roadster 7i
Price: $800
Color: matte sea green
Gears: 7
Fenders: yes
Chainguard: no
Drive: metal
Hub: internal
Puncture resistant tires: ?
Reflective tire wall: yes
Weight: 34 pounds

The Public choice should be the V7i with the gear hub. They have 3 sizes, as opposed to Linus with 2. But I see it's out of stock. Most are out of stock now.
Forget anything with clunky stupid deFaileurs. Last week I actually did try a Simcoe with the Nexus 7, it was pretty good.
I wouldn't get a 3 speed since you aren't strong riders yet. I would get old style quill adjustable stems too. Straight handlebars are horrible too.
Last week I rode my 73 lb bike with a SA XL-RD5w, 133.66 MILES in 12.5 hours. Puts deFaileurs to SHAME.

Thanks for that! Since I'm a novice here, I'm a little confused by a few things you said. What do you mean "the Public choice should be...? 3 sizes of what? I'm aware of the OOS problems. I'm willing to wait, I just want to pick the right one.
I have no idea why deRaileurs*? are bad. What is a quill stem??

Three frame sizes. Just look at the Public V7i. It has a quill threaded stem. This stem is 7/8" and goes inside the fork steerer tube and has a bolt and angle cam that holds the stem. Deraileurs are bad because of lopsided tension spokes, look ugly when dirty, impossible to keep clean, have a hanger that is easily bent and hard to keep working. IGH has NO such problems. I'm going for a ride now.

But...the V7 pretty clearly *has* a derailleur. Unless I'm blind.

I bought a linus 8 and think it’s great not on your ballot though. For that kind of bike IGH is the way to go.