I started out with a good will bike, $20 (some huffy "mountain" hybrid) but it was huge and slow, and heavy. When I showed my interest in biking, we (ex and I) looked for a good bike for me. Miz Cakes called to me from Collins and sat there, so quietly and patiently as I ran my fingers over her FS counterparts, then shuddered at their price tags. Then she quietly called me back, and I took a close look at that quality work on her soldering and joints- she was so much lighter than the other bike I'd had... and I took her out for a ride.
It was love!
She and I have been together ever since... I admit I didn't really try other bikes. I researched her and her reviews online before looking.