liked that one!

Cycc-all you say is true, the long term use, better parts , flat bars. I guess I come at this from two angles. Here we are, someone we dont see face to face asking opinions, people he doesnt see face to face or know at all giving suggestions. I laugh because a few summers ago my wife wanted a new bike and I worked like the dickens giving her opinions, what from my experience would work better for her (for instance, she has had wrist problems due to flat bars in the past) trying to suggest drop bars, this that and the other thing. She knows me (hopefully, somewhat, maybe ;-)) but in the end, she wanted the Spec Vita, flat bars, twist grips et al. Her decision was made, and that was it, shes a big girl so I just let it go. Two years down the road, and after speaking with more serious women cyclists, she is now open to a drop bar bike,and frankly for the components side of things, she cant be bothered so an upgrade that I know is better for the long term really doesnt mean much to her.

I guess what Im saying here is that in the end, one can give opinions on things, but folks can take advice or not (strangers or someone who knows you well) and in the big picture, if a given bike gets someone out there and biking more, well thats a good thing. Hopefully with biking more and trying out touring, then they can figure out what works for them and see what would improve their riding comfort/enjoyment etc.

given how car centric and the car-mentality there is in N. America is, one more person out is a good thing.