My apologies for adding my thoughts about buying a bike, I didn't think it would turn into such a sore subject.
Buy whatever you want, I will continue to spend my money locally for quality service and products. That in no way means I will look down on someone for their actions.
The most efficient and quick way I have found to learn a lesson, is to not take advice and to learn it the hard way. To each his own.
"Start and end at a brewery, and a very cool snow and Ice urban/cross country, lake ride in between with flasks ful of Krakin... YAH MON!!!!" - Vibrato
"Every one of you should ride a bike and be yourself. I really and truly believe that bikes make the world better, and that anyone who spends some time getting used to life on the saddle will find that it makes their life and the world that their life is locked to, better; in almost every way." -Gern Blanston, Surly Bikes