Well I know I'm not gonna' get the top of the line stuff at that price, but we all gotta start with something right? Ha ha. And I looked and looked for reviews and opinions of that bike, but couldn't find a thing. Either way, from what I saw, it seemed like a well built machine and the LBS I got it at seemed like a good place and the guys that own and run it are bike guys, so if they have enough confidence to sell it, then that speaks volumes to me. So I rode it, it fit my needs and I liked it so I bought it. All that said, I'm not an expert at this. All I know is that I bought a Specialized Hardrock several years ago and I loved that thing. It was the first REAL bike I had and since that day have told anyone I know that is looking into a bike to stay away from the big-box stuff and I'll never buy a bike from those places again. I can't stand it when I hear someone say "Well a bike from Wal-Mart will get you there the same as a $600 bike." Well, a Yugo will get you there the same as a Lexus too... Same folks that drink Bud Lite and say that it is REALLY good beer. I'm picking the bike up on Thursday (because the guy offered to tune it and check it all out for me and put some fenders on for me. Try getting Wally World to do that!) I'll report on it then.