The reasons you give for the entry level stuff, bobthib, is exactly why I am building my own from 2 old Trek 950s (good quality bikes to start with). Ordering the 4130 tube this later this week.Even building one, if we like it, we intend to get a real one. My wife has balance issues and hates to feel out of control. So we'll see how it goes. I bought her an adult trike, but the three speed and 24" wheels won't be fast enough for her before long. Before she developed her health problems, she rode a Scwinn Searcher hybrid and a 98 model Cannondale CADD2...