Hey scyclops, thank you all for your advice. Since then I've been exploring Bikesdirect.com and I would really appreciate your input on this. I've got three to choose from that fit my budget.
First let me state, I'm good with tools so I won't mind assembling a bike. I think it'll be fun and a better way to get to know my bike. Also, there’s a bike shop I’m planning on heading to so I can fit myself according to the frame model / size of the bike I'll ultimately choose. Do you think this would suffice?
Researching with my professor "google", I know these aren't "name brand" but aren't the parts just as good? I notices these 3 have some of the same parts, but what do you think about the parts that do differ? For some reason I'm leaning towards the Windsor Cliff 4500, but with my experience being what it is, i'm afraid i'm just leaning towards the listed MSRP, which i understand can be off a bit.
Again, THANK YOU for all the help
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...500_x_sale.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...4ht_new_xi.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/hay1000xi.htm
Windsor Cliff 4500
Frame: - AHFX Aluminum Tubing, Advanced Hydroformed Aluminum. Trail Tuned Geometry with replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
Fork: - RST CAPA ML W/LOCK OUT,*ALLOY BLACK CROWN, BRACE AND BLADE PAINTED BLACK, with adjustable preload (Disc Brake mounts)
Crankset: - SUNTOUR XCT V3 Aluminum arms, Triple 22/32/42T
Bottom Bracket: - Sealed Cartridge
Pedals: - ATB Beartrap Al/Composite
Front Derailleur: - Shimano FD-C050
Rear Derailleur: - Shimano Alivio
Shifters: - Shimano ST-EF50 24-SP 8 Speed Trigger shift (24 speeds total) with Optical Gear Display
Cassette/Freewheel: - SHIMANO CS-HG30-8I 11-30T-8
Chain: - KMC Z72 Super Narrow
Hubs: - Gravity Disc Aluminum (black finish) 32 spoke
Spokes: - 32 Stainless Steel 14 gauge Black
Rims: - 26x32H DH-18, Disc Specific Double Wall 6061T6 Aluminum Black Anodized (Some rims have no decals (no choice))
Tires: - 26x2.0 Kenda K-885 Blackwall
Brakes: - Tektro Novella Mechanical Disc Brakes with 160mm rotors
Brake Levers: - Shimano for Disc Brake
Headset: - Integrated 1 1/8 Ahead Sealed
Handlebar: - Windsor Comp Aluminum Riser
Stem: - Windsor Comp Threadless Aluminum
Tape/Grip: - WTB Dual Compound
Saddle: - WTB Speed V
Seat Post: - Windsor Aluminum Micro-Adjust
Seat Clamp: - Alloy w/QR
**************** OR ********************
2011 Motobecane 400 HT LTD Edition
Frame: - Custom 6061 Aluminum Trail-Tuned frame, multi-profile section chainstays, gussetted downtube, forged rear dropouts with replaceable rear derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses, International Standard rear disc mounts
Fork: - RST Capa ML Advanced Lockout fork with adjustable pre-load
Crankset: - TruVativ IsoFlow Aluminum Triple 22/32/42T 175mm
Bottom Bracket: - Sealed Cartridge
Pedals: - ATB Beartrap (metal cage - other brands have plastic)
Front Derailleur: - Shimano Altus top swing
Rear Derailleur: - Shimano Alivio long cage
Shifters: - Shimano*ST-EF50**8 Speed STI EZfire (24 speeds total)
Cassette/Freewheel: - Cassette 11-30T 8 Speed Hyperglide*(24 speeds total)
Chain: - KMC Z72 Narrow*8 speed
Hubs: - Formula DiscSpecific Aluminum (black) Rubber Sealed Ball Bearing mechanism
Spokes: - Stainless Steel
Rims: - Alex Racers Edge Adventurer Rims*-* Double Wall*Aluminum
Tires: - WTB Velociraptor Blackwall 26 x 2.10 (front and rear specific tread pattern)
Brakes: - TEKTRO Novela Mechanical Disc Brakes with Standard Round Rotors
Brake Levers: - Shimano for Disc
Headset: - Cane Creek Sealed caged ball bearing 1.125 inch
Handlebar: - Comp Aluminum Riser
Stem: - Comp Threadless Aluminum 1.125" steerer
Tape/Grip: - WTB Dual Compound Palm Pillow
Saddle: - WTB Speed V with comfort groove
Seat Post: - Aluminum Micro-Adjust
Seat Clamp: - Alloy w/QR
**************************** OR ********************************
2012 Dawes Haymaker 1000
Frame: - AltairX Custom Butted-Aluminum Trail-Tuned POWER STAY frame, reinforced-gussetted downtube, sculpted rear dropouts with replaceable rear derailleur hanger, H2O boss, International Standard rear disc mounts. Rear rack mounting points.
Fork: - RST Capa Adjustable Long Travel 80mm, with Lockout
Crankset: - TruVativ XFlow Aluminum Triple 22/32/42T, 175mm or SunTour XCT Aluminum arms (No Choice)
Bottom Bracket: - Sealed Cartridge
Pedals: - ATB Beartrap
Front Derailleur: - Shimano Acera Top Swing
Rear Derailleur: - Shimano Alivio long cage (H normal / not rapidrise)
Shifters: - Shimano ST-EF50 Mega 8 Speed STI (24 speeds total)
Cassette/Freewheel: - SHIMANO CS-HG30-8spd 11-30T
Chain: - 8*Speed* Z72 Narrow
Hubs: - DiscSpecific Aluminum (black) Sealed Bearing mechanism
Spokes: - 14G Stainless Steel
Rims: - Custom Disc Double Wall*Aluminum disc specific
Tires: - Kenda Kobra Blackwall 26 x 2.0
Brakes: - TEKTRO Novela*Mechanical Disc Brakes with Multi Pad Angle adjustments (Rotors are round or wave / No Choice)
Brake Levers: - Shimano ST-EF50
Headset: - Internal Sealed bearing VP A71 1.125 inch
Handlebar: - Comp Aluminum Riser
Stem: - Comp Threadless Aluminum 1.125 inch
Tape/Grip: - WTB Dual Compound Trail
Saddle: - WTB Speed V Sport with comfort groove
Seat Post: - Aluminum Micro-Adjust 27.2x300mm
Seat Clamp: - Aluminum w/QR