I don't think $75 is bad for a bike that has been tuned up. I think there are some people who have a mentality of one bike per person. Like the Rockhopper seller specifically states she is getting a road bike. I would rather ride a quality 70's bike than a low level brand new bike. I belong to a bike coop now, and so I have someone with expertise who can supervise my repairs.

I paid $50 for my 1980's Schwinn, and while fixing it, the mechanic said that to replace it with something new that rides as well, I'd be spending $300. I originally paid $50 for it, at Goodwill. It has a Cro-mo frame. I honestly would rather ride a bike with a little wear on it, because I live in a city, and will be parking it while shopping etc. I consider scratched paint to be a deterrent to theft.

I just like to fit my bike to suit my purpose. For commuting I need a rack and fenders, If I am going on a long ride on a sunny day, I don't need the fenders. There is a gravel road through a park in my vicinity, I rode it once on my 1970's LeTour. It was doable, but I wouldn't say it was pleasant. In fact my hands were red and raw by the end of the ride.

Mary