you guys have now pushed him from a sub $200 bike to a great deal on a $2000 bike... Your LBS should have some lower end models from reputable bike makers that you can get into for $600(ish). They won't impress the bike snobs, but they will be a far cry better than a target bike. If you buy it used from your LBS you should be able to re-sell it for very little, if any loss because the good bikes hit a certain depreciation point and don't usually go any lower than that.