Two BD threads on the main page at the same time today!
I'm leaning heavily towards the following bike:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_xi_steel.htm
The reasons are:
1. I love the way it looks!
2. CroMoly frame
3. Down tube friction shifters. I don't see myself racing, ever. These shifters should be easier and cheaper to maintain.
4. I disliked almost all the LBSes I went to so far. They are snooty and stuck up, and have way more attitude than I want to deal with on a regular basis. I'd rather get something cheaper and simpler, and learn to fix it myself - only using the LBS for stuff that I absolutely cannot fix myself. And if I don't learn to fix it myself, well - I'll give in to the attitude then.
5. I love the way it looks
So my question is - is there something terribly wrong with the bike I've chosen, that I cannot see? I'm willing to slowly upgrade the bike, but if there is something fundamental that I have missed, then please let me know!