Originally Posted by
SouthFLpix
My opinion is that steering people into spending more than they are prepared to spend just turns them away from viewing the bike as a viable means of transportation or utility riding (grocery runs). Let them buy the department store bike if that's what the budget allows. That's still one more bike on the road, one less car.
Well said! I agree with you and the OP.
I am finding a sort of apprehensiveness creeping in when scouting local bike stores also - I just want a bike to ride around on for exercise, enjoyment, some light commuting...and I keep getting the vibe that what I want isn't 'good enough' because I'm not willing to spend $800. If I didn't already own a bike (2nd hand from craigslist!), it could imagine it putting me off cycling altogether right at the onset.