Browsing craigslist today, I came across this: http://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/3880826339.html. Being unfamiliar with the brand, I googled it and discovered that the TdF has contracted with an Ames, IA bicycle importer (think NASCAR, Polaris, Smith & Wesson, ect. branded bikes) to bring the world another junk bike. What's worse are the exorbitant prices they seem to be charging: http://www.cyclefg.com/shop/home.php?cat=351. The components are all LOW end Cheapmano, they're using STEM SHIFTERS?! and charging upward of $250? What kind of person buys this garbage? (Obviously, from the picture on CL, the kind that promptly installs the fork backwards.) I don't think I want to live on this planet anymore.

And, yes, I realise this post is less C&V as these are new bikes, but I feel C&V riders, at least in my area, are more prone to be appalled at these developments.