Cleave, I appreciate that you say you're not saying things as a "bike snob" but your comment about being a deparment store bike suggests otherwise. Bottom line is I don't care if it's a department store bike and never did. Even if my budget allowed me to buy a high end road bike I wouldn't because I can't justify it. I know the fork is bent. I don't believe the frame is bent but I know I could be wrong about that. I have the ability to straighten the fork or replace it if necessary. It is NOT a $40 lesson because I can make it rideable with minimal work even if it's not perfect. I understand that you are only trying to be honest but I can't help but feel I was ridiculed from the start given the first smart aleck reply I got to my post. I'm sorry I came here. I hope other new people to the forum get better treatment. I'll figure it out on my own.