Are there bike shops in your town that offer other brands?

I bought a $345 Marin Muirwoods 29er off eBay in my size, had the local bike shop build it up for me and its a blast to ride. I feel its the best bang for the cycling bucks I've ever spent and the value ratio is quite good. A double butted steel frame that is light and strong - sure it costs a little more than a big box store bike but its quality you can't find in a big box store bike at a lower price. I don't just look at the bottom line, I look at the quality of what I buy. I need something to go a long way exactly because I live on a budget. That's why I bought a dealer quality bike. I see it lasting me a long time. Why? Dealer bikes are made light and strong, come in several sizes for the proper fit and bike mechanics feel proud to work on them because they're quality and easily serviceable.

As for the Schwinn Seventh Avenue, its heavy, comes in one size and is overpriced for you can get. A big box store Schwinn is not in the same league as a dealer Schwinn. I should know because I own one of the latter and its a great bike. I know that for me - a Walmart bike would never really meet my needs and bike shop mechanics won't work on it because its a bike built to attract a buyer looking for something cheap, not something well made. Those are considerations you need to take in mind and as the old saying has it, the lowest price is not necessarily an indication of good worksmanship.

You can and should do better in buying a bike.