Yeah it's black.

I don't think it was a glossy or shiny black. The first time I went there the dude at the store actually told me that it's the more recent model and that they had an issue with last year's model. He said, they weren't happy with last year's model and I think they returned them all back to Felt and complained about some part of the bike. Felt took that into consideration and made some sort of change for the next year's model which is supposedly the one that they are selling.

Yeah, it comes out to $598 with tax. I tried to see if they could cut some sort of deal (like disregarding the tax) if I paid in cash or offer me some kind of discount on other stuff. They said no. But their store policy is that if buy new from them they give discounted rates on tune-ups. So a pro tune-up would be like $65 instead of $85.

But for the most part it seemed like there was no room for bargaining at that store.

So the components aren't as big a deal on a fixie? Should I go for the Phat Cycles Phixie then? The reviews I've read have said that the actual frame is nice, but the components not so much.

Although, I guess in the long run, the likelihood to upgrade and replace would end up costing just as much as the Felt Brougham.

I'm starting to think that the Novara Buzz One might be the safer bet. Literally I would feel safer falling with the Buzz One under me than the Brougham or Phixie. And I could just return the Buzz One when i get bored of it.

Obviously there isn't much room for bargaining at REI. But it seems like there might be some room for bargaining with the mechanics at REI.