i wasnt suggesting that in ALL circumstances a used bike will be better than a new cheapie bike. OF COURSE it depends on condition. it is a fact, however, that a bike like a raleigh twenty was robustly built compared to today's cheapies. thats why they are still around and serviceable 40+ years later (and incidentally, why so many people love them). can you imagine a "green cruiser" being around in even 10 years?