A neighbor of mine buys a K-Mart bike every year; every year it gets unrideable. He takes it in to be repaired. He's told that its beyond saving. He buys another K-Mart bike. If he had just invested in a GOOD bike some years ago he'd be ahead.

What about brands that make high-end bikes and also sell through the X-Marts? For example, I see Mongoose models advertised in the magazines for four figures; I also see Mongoose at K-Mart for $100.00 or less. What should one look for in a used Mongoose to tell what kind it is?