This I think.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that most cyclists are like us. No. Most cyclists don't give enough of a crap about it to even consider there might be something like BF. Let alone posting regularly enough to have four-digit post counts.

They don't give a schidt about single vs. multi-speed, groupsets, fittings, Garmins, or as we do in Commuting Forum, puncture-resistant tires, racks, fenders and lights.

Judging by what I actually see in the bike rack at work (it's right outside the front window), at stores when I'm locking up, and at the university as I commute through, the typical American cyclist goes to the sporting goods store or an X-mart and buys based on price and appearance.

Not much different than buying a can of soup.

All that those places sell are MTBs and hybrids, so they buy the one that looks nice and they can afford. If they're feeling particularly flush, they may spring for the $149 model instead of the $99 one. They'll buy an MTB because it reminds them of their SUV, or a hybrid because it reminds them of their Prius.

I don't think comfort even enters into the picture until after they've ridden the thing.