I found a two-year-old, but never ridden, Gateway on CL for $50. I'll do the alignments etc. and give it to my daughter. She wants a "who gives a &%$*" bike to use at university. I figure a China-made Schwinn comfort/hybrid is basically theft proof because who would want to steal it? It has the fenders to keep road debris off her back, a rack for lashing down books (or beer?), and what looks to be a comfortable riding position for going to/from class. She's not a slave to fashion, so the looks won't bother her. I'm not sure I could buy wheels, tape, tubes, and tires for $50, so getting a new rideable bicycle for that price is a bargain, in my book.
Would I buy a discount store Schwinn as my best or only bike? Nope. But this one, I hope, will work out. (And if it all goes pear-shaped in month or two, I'll be sure to check back in with a rant about the evils of buying a cheap department store bike at any price.)