For 350 you get higher quality components and a frame with a higher quality steel (Reynolds 520 where as other entry level bikes use CrMo/HiTen). This allows you to swap out other parts without replacing frame - arguably one of the more important parts of a bike. If I knew what I know now, I would have bought a kilo in a heartbeat. Why buy lower quality steel and put **** on **** when for 350$ you can get one of the best bangs for your buck money can buy?