I just spent $300.00 on repairs to my "beater", new wheels, new BB, brakes, chain etc. Ironically, the bike was a freebie. But this major tuneup was a thank you to it for 5 years of hard service. So its a beater not because its in bad shape. Though it is a 20 year old Hard Rock dressed up for commuting. It's a beater because it's got a low enough profile to spend a day locked up in some less than stellar neighborhoods and still be there when I come back.