I was just at Target tonight and I saw a father and son purchasing a bike for what I assume was another member of the family. I was cringing just hearing the conversation. I thought about saying something but I thought they were only interested in price. I could not tell if the person the bike was for was really interested in cycling either. If I had the impression the recipient was a biker, I would have found a way to give them food for thought.
If your mom or dad ever told you to buy quality and buy it once whether with respect to cars, tools or whatever, you can apply that same lesson to bikes.