Originally Posted by MRT2

I don't understand this whole 2 bike progression. My advise is to get something good enough the first time, rather than spending $300 now, so OP can spend $700 or $800 next year.

Unless OP is looking to cruise up and down the boardwalk, I would advise against the beach cruiser idea. IMO, a first bike should be enough bike to take OP from complete newbie to at least going on short day tours of 20, 30, even 40 miles. Not to say OP will do that, but should have a bike capable of carrying him that far. the Beach Cruiser, with its heavy weight, and single speed might be OK for a very short ride, but not much else.