Originally Posted by
borobike
The shifters weren't defective, they just didn't meet my particular demands. And I wouldn't call my time spent in adjustments or even all the work in general "countless hours"...in the month or so I've owned the bike and the 250+ miles on it, I've spent four hours tops working on the bike...my initial lengthy time spent adjusting was mostly due to my inexperience adjusting derailleurs.
Some people enjoy working on bikes, and some people loath it.
Some people are able to do it, and others aren't. This has been a learning experience for you, and now you're in the "able to do it" category. You spent some of your time, but gained knowledge for it. Whether that's a good or bad deal is in the eye of the beholder.
( Personally, I just want to ride my bike, so I want it to work when I'm ready to ride, and that's all. Long Beach Gary probably feels the same way I do, and would rather pay someone else to do this kind of stuff. To each his own. )