The 24 inch Motobecane listed on Tampa CL would have been a better bike same price range, worthy of the upgrades and looks like it would have been a better fit. I understand the need for NOW, but I think if in the same spot I would buy the WW bike at the pawn/thrift and continue looking. You need to be able to get to work if you are going to buy a bike in the first place! A new purchase on a bike of that quality means it is instantly worth 0 $ or close as soon as you leave the store. To buy a low quality at the thrift/pawn and hopefully pay say 1/3 of retail, ride it as long as you need too and then replace makes a bit more sense. But who am I to judge? I just spent $$ converting an old road frame to accept a nexus 8 hub for winter commuting. A lot of folks would flame me for my choices too.