Originally Posted by LupinIII

because then people could tell you that your options would REALLY open up if you had another hundred and could buy something in the 600 range.

local lbs sells pakes for about 450 out the door(so around 400 pre tax). that's a good bike. if your local shops aren't doing good deals then i'd get an iro, or a 300 dollar bikesdirect bike and spend the 100 difference on getting it built at a shop since a lot of parts need to be greased, tightened, and checked.