One thing I like about this thread is that is encompasses the answer to a question that we Dutch hold close to our hearts:
"Can I get 80% of the thrills at 20% of the price?"
Yes, we are cheap.
And that is one reason a fair number of the aforementioned French entry level bikes have been sold here. But the Japanese were also pretty good at that game. Last week I bought this Miyata 750SR for €50. Excellent build quality, good paint, nice racy geometry. There's even room for a pair of fenders. It just weighs a couple of pounds more than a €500 bike. In terms of bang for your buck it doesn't get much better than this.
