consider replacing the fork with a $100 nashbar carbon fork if you find it to be a bit uncomfortable. otherwise, definately consider the bikes direct route got my gf a Dawes lightning DLX from bikesdirect for $399. It had a few parts i replace immediately like the adjustable stem that weighed a ton and looked like crap. I also had a nicer crank kicking around so i put that on but just the barebones bike was quite nice for the price.