Is there any other place than bikesdirect where I can find the stripper?

Also my budget can be stretched if it's worth it. I am more worried about parts/components that will immediately or soon after purchase need to be changed. I don't want to pay more than $500/550 for a bike that will require me to purchase additional parts immediately and thus, I'll end up ultimately paying $700 for it. But if I am paying $380 for it and need to get a part here and there, and the frame is nice and solid that's fine.
So really I'm worried most about where exactly my dollar is going and how much return I am getting for it than the dollar itself. If that makes sense?