Without quoting the whole post, OP asked if REI is expensive. They are like any LBS, in that they offer something in all price points. I included a link to the full Novara urban line in an earlier post, but as the OP has narrowed it down to SS models, here's the two Novara offerings (both of which are well within budget): Buzz One at $450 http://www.rei.com/product/808782/no...-one-bike-2012 and the Transfer One at $500 http://www.rei.com/product/825376/no...-one-bike-2012

And something else that might be appealing (or not) is the Globe Daily 1 from Specialized