thanks bianchigirll - hope 'factory shifter' at the end of handle bar is a good thing ? and easy to fix if there is anything wrong with it ? (ie: I noticed during my test ride - I can only shift only between the 2 larger front chain rings, (right terminology?)

yes - bargainguy's comment is right on the 'money' - so to speak.... :-) I can't explain it better than his words .... thx ...

ok - I called and am going over and see it again ... with cash this time ....
Gravel Grinder ? LOL ... - is it a good or bad thing ? ... :-)
however - I did notice during my last test ride that the bike was light, and there were some comments about this bike from this forum a few years ago and sounds like this is a solid bike .... so I think it may be good for my sons... or for myself around town... and with that color and 'Gravel Grinder' reputation, I may not have to worry about it being stolen like I do with my Bianchi if I parked it more than 5 minutes outside the mall/grocery store !!

thanks folks ...