Originally Posted by PhattTyre
but assuming the quality is better than department store,
Bad assumption. It's low end for even a department store quality bike and has sliding weights on the rear spokes. If you actually ride it there'll be some additional rear wheel maintenance at some point down the line.
I think that it might be significant that I've worked on some brand new ones that were misadjusted or had defective parts from the factory but I've never had someone bring one in that had any miles on it. I guess you could take that fact a couple of different ways.
Modern indexed derailleur bikes, even at the low end, are pretty darn easy to ride. Push the button or twist the shifter and it shifts. Best of all, you get to decide when that happens so you can either sprint or loaf if you choose. Honestly, I don't understand the attraction but then I'm a bike guy.