What I've found on new bikes in this price range that's personally objectionable are various sub-standard parts. The parts work OK but I'd like something a little better (cranks, brake levers, etc). No point in replacing the parts because the cost would quickly climb to where I may as well spend the $$$ up front for something better. So personally, I'd look for used (surly, or whatever else that's good solid quality and wide availability).
If you go for new though, the bikesdirect.com bikes (already mentioned) are ones that have always interested me (great price point and style) but I have never seen one in person. Good all around guy, Kent, loves the Trek Allant: http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-i-bought-trek-allant.html REI has some very nice bikes. If you're a member, you build up savings points with purchases and if you can then find a bike discounted on top of it, you're golden. Giant bikes are usually well priced and pretty good quality at these prices. I think they make bikes for other companies but sell basically the same bikes under their brand as "house label" versions. At least that's what I've been told. I had a giant MTB a while back and thought it was a really good value. Perry -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
