For the amount of time I spent reading the OP and the rest of the thread I could have...

Converted a Schwinn Varsity
Created 4 pairs of cut off shorts
Drank 6 PBRs
Made my own messenger bag
Talked trash on 5 "roadies"
and made fun of 7 people who started riding after I did.

I find it hard to believe other people feel the need to hate when lots of people begin to enjoy something great. Get a life.