I can understand people's concerns over an $80 bicycle. However, I have a $250 CCM Excelsior from Canadian Tire that has served me well for several years and that I still use today to do my groceries, etc. It has plastic cranks and plastic pedals. It also has Microshift shifters and a Tourney rear derailleur. And with the seatpost suspsension (stock), 700x45 Kenda Keen Commuter tires (my purchase) and Velo Plush saddle (my purchase), I can tell you I practically don't even feel the road at all. If I pass over small rocks for example, I don't feel it. Heck, I can't even feel train tracks. It's also the most comfortable bike I've ever sat on. I used to bike year-round with the same bikes and because my former superintendant did not let me keep bikes inside, a lot of my bikes only lasted a year or two. So, I passed through many bikes. I've also had a GT Karakoram from 1992 in the past and know what it felt like to ride a bike with Deore LX and DX. DX was higher than LX at the time. Fact is, I had sold it to my father after a year because I was always concerned it would get stolen. So, I chose to go to work on department store bicycles.

It's true that I accumulated almost all the parts necessary to complete a touring bike and will probably be done with that project this year. But, a lot of parts were purchased with the money from two consecutive x-mases when members of my family gave me several hundred dollars. And this year I literally started going to a food bank to be able to eat and found I could save money for the first time in a while. So, I bought bicycle parts with the money left over knowing I'll pay back the money on my credit card once I get my x-mas money. So, in reality, this will be a touring bike bought by x-mas money.

I think it's almost awkward and weird to try to "defend" department store bicycles. Right now, both my bicycles were bought at Canadian Tire. My other bike is a $150 bike that's now over 6 years old and it's my winter bike. I haven't replaced the derailleurs yet although the front derailleur is pretty much seized by now. Yet, it's still useable as a winter bike. Most of my trips are less than 6 miles one way or a maximum of 12 miles.

Will I enjoy my touring bike? Probably. But I know many people find it almost insane to spend $800 on a bicycle and need explanations from people to understand why these bicycles even exist. Fact is, people who want a bicycle as a method of transportation could see a lot of value in a $250 bike that can get them from point A to point B in a lot less time than walking without having to pay to ride a taxi or a bus. I put fenders, a backrack, panniers, a bell, a kickstand, switched the saddle, tires and brake levers (to Shimano Acera). I bought a lot of those things either on sale or for a low price. And this is my "vehicle" that I use to get around with. As a matter of fact, I have a yellow biking jacket, full finger gloves, a helmet, clear sunglasses and hiking boots and always feel safe when I'm riding. And my $250 bike was on sale for $220.