i know there are more brands, but i can get better "deals" with Surly, Trek, & Salsa if you know what i mean lol. Out of them all those were the two i really liked. I also like the trek 520 but theres a couple things i dont like about it, main thing is i need to be able to run studded tires during the winter and i'm not sure if the frame will accomadate fenders and the studded tires. I may just build up a CC or LHT frame.