It's convenient to have them close, true. On the other hand, I've sent them an email last friday with some questions and no reply yet (the other shop 2 hours away replied to every email within a couple of hours and it turned out he was actually closed for holiday...)

I hear you on the parts being disposable, but on the other hand, this bike will be used mainly for short commutes and I'll probably go for a bit of an "excersise" ride about once a week. Basically, I don't think I'll be wearing the parts out very soon (unless they are truly rubbish). If it turns out I will use the bike more than I think now, I'll probably want to buy a better one altogether

The more I think about it, the more I think that size and "sturdiness" might be the most important factor for me... Ah well, I'll see if the shop here replies and I'll go check out some bikes this weekend.