Advice? What type of Cruiser

I'm looking for a cruiser.  I should I be getting gears?  I'm just riding around downtown Vancouver.  Do you think they're needed?

-Luc Laverdiere

Gears aren't really needed in Vancouver.  They're nice to have but not absolutely necessary at all.  Gears don't change the actual amount of energy you have to spend to get up a hill!

Single speeds are honestly my favorite ride in terms of overall comfort and things.  Simple and effective...

You mentioned in your other post that you were on a bit of a budget - you can always add a 3 speed or something later on.  A bike with gears will be a good $150 more than one without.

For years I was riding around Vancouver on a one speed Raleigh Tourist (DL-1)...this was an older model, and didn't have the "luxury" of the 3-speed archer hub... Anyhow, with the exception of one or two hills in Fairview, there was no problem with the single speed bike.  If anything, the less complicated design made it extremely reliable, and a cinch to upkeep....

Sadly, my beloved "Betsie" was eventually stolen from the Granville Island Public Market...