Originally Posted by
acidfast7
to be fair, most of Europe includes tax in their place (which usually runs roughly 19 to 25%).
OTOH, most LBS bikes start around $300 before tax (of less than 10%). Throw in the currency conversion, and they're still cheaper (and have more gears) than what you're paying. Now if you can find a bike for 100 pounds or less, you've got a good case for a BSO.