Teacher: You are given a passage. Using the information present in the passage, you need to classify it into one of the 10 topics: 0 - 'Society & Culture', 1 - 'Science & Mathematics', 2 - 'Health', 3 - 'Education & Reference', 4 - 'Computers & Internet', 5 - 'Sports', 6 - 'Business & Finance', 7 - 'Entertainment & Music', 8 - 'Family & Relationships', 9 - 'Politics & Government'.
Teacher: Now, understand the problem? If you are still confused, see the following example:
Optical mice use an LED and a camera to rapidly
capture images of the surface beneath the mouse.
The infomation from the camera is analyzed by a
DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and used to detect
imperfections in the underlying surface and
determine motion. Some materials, such as glass,
mirrors or other very shiny, uniform surfaces
interfere with the ability of the DSP to
accurately analyze the surface beneath the mouse.

Since glass is transparent and very uniform, the
mouse is unable to pick up enough imperfections in
the underlying surface to determine motion.
Mirrored surfaces are also a problem, since they
constantly reflect back the same image, causing
the DSP not to recognize motion properly. When the
system is unable to see surface changes associated
with movement, the mouse will not work properly.
Solution: 4
Reason: The passage talks about optical mice or mouse throughout which is a part of computer system. Thus, it is correctly classified to "Computers & Internet"

Now, solve this instance: I'd agree with TaraN's answer. Take the time to really find what you want. Take a lot of extended test rides. You might find that aluminum might be too harsh for you, in which case you might find that steel or carbon might be more comfortable. That's just one example. Lots of test rides will give you a feel for how the various bikes at a given price point can handle very differently. Without getting into too much tech-speak, you might find that one bike handles a bit more twitchy than another. Think of the difference as driving a Mini Cooper versus a basic sedan. Some bikes are set up more for racing, where you'll get a quicker handling bike, whereas others will handle a bit more laid back.

Parts wise, you'll find the same component offerings on many of the manufacturers out there for a given price point, as TaraN pointed out. You'll most likely be getting a bike with Shimano componenets, with perhaps a mix of some of the manufacturer's own branded components (for example, Trek outfits their bikes with a lot of Bontrager componentry).

Focus on the overall ride of the bike. For a $1000, you can get a lot of bike.

Wade at The Spokesman in downtown Santa Cruz is a GREAT guy - very helpful, and yes, very patient. He's very knowledgeable and will set you up right.

Also in that same category, I'd highly recommend seeing Vance Sprock over at Cupertino Bike Shop. He's just like Wade - he'll set you up right.

Good luck!
Student:
5