I was just afraid of making a mistake since it would have been kind of an impulse purchase. I can't spend a lot, and have been watching craig's list. But I'm so new at this that there is some comfort in a good bike shop, not to mention the free lifetime service you get at this one. But they don't have a lot to choose from- they do a lot of time trial bikes and really high end road bikes. I just couldn't get past the toy bike blue color of the trek 820 when I bought my hybrid, and the cool color caught my eye. I enjoyed the ride, but I don't know cheap components from good ones, so worry more about color and the fact it had no chain guard and almost got my jeans. But if I really start shopping I drift upward; if 340 is doable, what about 420? then hey, that one has disc brakes for 529... it goes on and on.
it's kind of fun just looking. I may avoid getting my bike serviced just to avoid being in the same shop with that bike until I look into it more.
vickie