SlimRider --- Thanks for the help I definitely think that I agree with you. It helps to get some experienced people's opinions on what I should do! I'll be checking in with a LBS here in Athens that sells used bikes over the next month and see what I come across. I'll probably end up posting pictures or something to see what people think if I get close to making a decision. Lastly, back to the downtube shifters...some people hate them and told me to stay away from them and definitely get STI, ergo, etc -- and other say its no problem at all to get used to and some even like them better. Since I am looking for just a simple, basic 80s road/hyrid/cyclo bike I know that is what I will run into, do you think they would be a problem for a beginner to become accustomed to?