Two BD threads on the main page at the same time today!
I'm leaning heavily towards the following bike:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_xi_steel.htm

The reasons are:
1. I love the way it looks!
2. CroMoly frame
3. Down tube friction shifters. I don't see myself racing, ever. These shifters should be easier and cheaper to maintain.
4. I disliked almost all the LBSes I went to so far. They are snooty and stuck up, and have way more attitude than I want to deal with on a regular basis. I'd rather get something cheaper and simpler, and learn to fix it myself - only using the LBS for stuff that I absolutely cannot fix myself. And if I don't learn to fix it myself, well - I'll give in to the attitude then.
5. I love the way it looks

So my question is - is there something terribly wrong with the bike I've chosen, that I cannot see? I'm willing to slowly upgrade the bike, but if there is something fundamental that I have missed, then please let me know!

After reading Sheldon Brown's comments on friction shifters, the other option is:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...gesport_xi.htm

Craigslist and some patience..

Nothing really. Just make sure you get the right size.

Any comments about using friction shifters against indexed? I've used friction shifters when I was small (and I'm not as young or as adaptable now), and only used crappy indexed shifters - so I have no real basis for comparison.

I like properly adjusted indexed shifters, but I also like friction shifters for reliability. Lucky you, the shifters on that BD bike can be set up for both.

Yes, I just hit the Sunrace SLR63 page and saw that

My preference is 'properly adjusted' indexed for the rear and and 'ratcheting' friction for the front. My wife has an old Specialized Crossroads w/twist grip set up this way. It's nice to be able to vary the the 'trim' up front when the chain rubs in certain gear combos. Velo Orange website has a stem mounted set-up that's way better than anything from years past.

Afa as the lbs snootiness goes, it's one of the reasons I learned to do all of my own repairs. Learned to build wheels after posting an ad on a local bike board. It's very gratifying to ride on a bike you've built up yourself completely, including the wheelset.

DT friction shifting is a great place to start learning how to do your own repairs, adjustments, etc. Before cartridge bottom brackets became standard one could take the bearings/spindle assembly apart, clean the cups and re-pack the bearings. That was another great learning experience.

I'm building up a '96 Softride Traveler and will have modern stem ratcheting friction shifting in addtion to top-notch hubs, spokes, rims, tubes, tires, etc. Indexed is nice, but when one is 50 miles from nowhere in a country where no one speaks your native language the lower tech the better.