Then along came quality hybrids and slowly but surely these that wanted transport,but did not want a race bike, slowly saw the light. Hybrids seem to be the biggest selling bike at my LBS and the best value.

People don't not buy unreliable cars to get to work ,so why buy a cheap bike? I do see this point.

People ask me about my £1000 folder and seemed suprised that I would send that much on such a bike. However they start to see the sence when I explain its has saved more than this in Bus fares, car cycle racks. Its a "smart car" for the city,that can still do 25 MPH on the road. People on heavy under geared,overly wide chucky tyres and overly soft suspended bikes seemed surprised and often do not view it as a "proper bike". I just leave them behind and let them make up their own mind!