i bought a bike this year. i never had any trouble in the 80s getting a decent bike - my racing bike had front and read bags and a rear carrier. but i find most bikes really uncomfy, and i see no benefit at all in all the gears and stuff - i had 18 speeds and rode in one of them all the time. so i bought a 1948 Raleigh ladies bike. lovely upright position, backswept handlebars, Brooks saddle, one gear and rod brakes. i love it.