Sorry to bring up a dead thread but the bike is actually a good starting point if you're not a brand snob and also know how to do a little work. It is a solid frame and the rear flip hub is actually well worth the $100. That leaves you around $200 to invest and stay at entry level and IMO be better than entry level if you can do your own work. So far I adjusted the bottom bracket, Repacked the hubs, replaced the chain. I'm $130 in which leaves $170 for new bars front brake system and saddle. I think for the price it is beyond worth it.