The point isn't so much that something was built in the USA (Although I, and most of those unemployed folks out there, would rather have a job making $15 an hour in manufacturing than one making $8 in retail. Note: I do neither.), the point is that the company is US owned so more of the money goes back into you own economy.

Oh and chinese/tawaniese/indonesian/etc. made stuff is crap. Crap is what $0.50 an hour gets you. I had few pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars(yea baby) from the last couple years of US production then they went to indonesian production but I bought a pair any way. Side by side the indonesian pair had uneven, wider stitching that wasn't as tight, the seams weren't as evenly/consistantly cut and the two year older, used, US made shoes out lasted the new indonesian pair by a large margin(finaly wore through the soles of the US pair), the glue was even inferior on the indonesian shoes.

Same goes for Levi's pants, after they moved production to south america I started finding all sorts of mis-cut jeans, no two I've tried on since[of the same model] were the same fit.

Japanese and European stuff is of ok quality because they make a decent wage but your money still takes a trip.(note shimano makes their lowend stuff outside Japan)


Anyhow back to the thread, I vote Cannondale, but specialized makes a fine ride as well.