I 'think aloud' more than feel a need to justify, plus it gives someone like you a chance to chime in on all my loud thinking lol, so i can gain more perspective... That is all good to know, actually having read on a biking forum that Bikeshop salespeople will often try to sell you what is on the floor really helped me to avoid being suckered, as I did notice this dynamic when shopping and stuck to my guns. The sales guy I'm talking to about replacing the wheels didn't really have any other suggestions, just that and the cheap chain upgrade... and I'm the one who asked him about any upgrades he'd suggest. But it's good to be aware of what you are sharing, me and bf are having to really slow down with out upgrade fever, we started out happy w $600 entry level bikes but now we are buying $1300 bikes a few days later... What happened there??