I went to a couple local LBS's today too. I learned that one has a payment plan. That could be the maker or breaker for me getting one. One was kind of a joke. I walk in there looking around at stuff, and no one comes up to me for help. I also have no idea who worked there to talk to them. I just left there, but the other one was much better I think. The guy came up to me and asked me what I was looking for. I told him everything and showed me a Trek 7000 from the 90's and they wanted 300 plus tax for it he said that in it's day it was around a 2k bike, and was very good. Granted I do not know much about bikes, but doesn't that seem a bit steep for a bike that old? I mean for a hundred or two more I could get a brand new bike with, more than likely, several improvements. I also told him where I wanted to ride, and he said that since there are a lot of locusts there I will need Kevlar tires since the thorns will go right through. Does this seem like a fair price, and a valid point about the tires, or is he just trying to milk a newbie for all he is worth?