I have been following the rambling debate over department store bikes vs., for lack of a better term, “proline” bikes for a while.

With the stated assumption that everyone will assume the proline (Giant, Trek, other et al ad nauseum) frames are the best quality, the following question remains:

”Which frames are considered the best among the entry and mid-line bikes found at the big box stores?”

Please note in my signature that I own several bikes that cover the gamut. All of them work fine if the maintenance is kept up. I’m just curious about the nuances of the stated question related to frame quality. Thanks!