My first road bike was a cheapo Dawes Lightning 1000, with cheap components, wheels, saddle, ect. I still have it and it rides pretty well for a $369 bike. I've put over 3,500 miles on it, including four centuries. The Sora shifters have performed and held up remarkebly well, to be so low-end.

My second bike is a Mercier Draco with carbon seatpost, forks and completely outfitted with DA drivetrain and brakes. It came with a 12-25 cassette, instead of the advertised 12-27. I e-mailed Mike, and he immediately swapped it out, with no problem. I have 1,624 miles on it, and am very pleased with it. Nice bike for $1495. None of the LBS's had anything outfitted with DA. Not even their high-end bikes at over $3000!!