Well, I've tried the creation and selection procedures you've mentioned and everything worked just fine. Didn't get any problem - should work just fine, either one of them - probably it's just an instance problem - engine loose configuration or a masters(mdf) objects erronic definition! Have you checked for duplicates or loose(not relational) objects(mainly columns)? It can even be a permissions (mis)configuration problem!
I've never add a bit field problem and I've been working with this field type since I've began working with databases more than 10 years ago. That shouldn't be the problem.