You know, parents don't pay that price because they want the best. They pay that price because they know their kids will kick and scream till they get it. And the manufacturer's know that too, that's why they charge the prices they do. Its crazy in this day and age for anyone to assume that a high price tag automatically means quality. Sure, it looks nice. But so little of what we buy today is actually worth what we are being charged, regardless of its quality. In my mind, most new things we can buy today are probably only actually worth what they might have cost 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. And back then it was much more likely to have been made in America. And people buy those $99 bikes because its what they can afford and they need transportation. That's what an American made bicycle cost about 20 years ago, so why should we be paying more now for something thats made in China, even if it is "better"? Cheap china kit, cheap china bike. I'd rather drive that and save $200, than walk or have someone tell me what I should be buying. As it happens, I am driving an American made Schwinn frame, and this build cost me $800 because custom aint cheap no matter how you slice it. But my first bike was a kmmart cruiser with a grubee kit and only a coaster brake, second bike was a huffy cranbrook with several different engines and several different brake setups. Never had a problem with my frames or my wheels, except due to installation errors which can happen with any bike. The "quality" of any bike is not as important as the skill of the builder. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Any bike is only as good as its mechanic. A good mechanic can turn a cheap bike into a dream ride. A bad mechanic can turn a great bike into a pile of parts.
