It's been said many times before, and proven by you... there is really nothing wrong with big box bikes. They are sold in volume which helps keep prices low. The caveat is you need to know how to wrench since the whole bike should get a good going over after purchased due to not knowing what monkey put it together. Many of the components can be considered disposable, but seriously... how many box store bike buyers are putting any where close to 5000 miles on them? 1%?