At this point, I don't guess it really matters what I say, because it will still seem like I am trying to pick a fight.

I still cannot understand the idea of condemning a man to walking simply because he cannot afford the best bike on the market. If someone came to me and said, "I need a car, but can only spend $300 dollars" it would be a slap in the face to send them to the local BMW dealer. Why send a man who knows nothing about bikes to buy a used one that he probably won't know how to inspect anyway? I know that is not the case in this particular incident, but I am just trying to make a point.

I personally have been in the situation of having to "make do" with what I have available. Its not fun, its not prestigious, but it IS life. Somewhere some kid whose mom and dad are strung out on crack would think he had hit a gold mine if someone threw him an old Huffy, Mongoose or whatever. So what if he has to work on the derailleur or whatever else. Do people on real bikes never have to PM them?

For what it's worth- I am NOT mad or upset. Just making conversation.