Neither of these bikes are high-end bikes. The advantage of getting the Hounder is the much lower price. According to the Amazon reviews that I've read, the components are of the lowest quality. However, you're saving well over $200, in terms of immediate expenses. These components are not going to suddenly, disintegrate within the year. OTOH, they're most probably not going to last for the next five years, either. Since you don't have the available support or service of a local bike shop (unless you pay for it), you're going to have to get into the mechanics of it all, right away. You're not stupid, you could handle that aspect, without a hitch.

On the other hand, the Buzz One from REI, will come with the support and services expected along with a newly purchased bicycle. Just like from a regular bicycle dealership, only better. Better due to their 100% satisfaction guarantee. The difference here is, REI is right here and you can readily communicate and exchange information, directly. Nashbar, is like a million miles away and only communicated with, via electronic technology. However, they are somewhat useful, in that you can send defective components back for exchanges. You may also return the entire bicycle, if need be.

Will the Buzz One fall apart, once to take delivery? ...I don't know. However, if it does, you can take it directly back to REI and let them worry about it. However, that service opportunity will cost you an additional $250, upfront including tax.

Alternatively, I could ask the same question about the Hounder. Will it self-destruct upon delivery? ...I don't know. Nothing is promised in life except for certain troubles...

It really doesn't matter. The Hounder is a bicycle, just like the Buzz One, is a bicycle. Bicycle mechanics are not trained at MIT. Most learned their trade by just fooling around and experimenting with bikes as kids and they got pretty good at it. They just woke up one day and said, "Hey! After fixing my bike all summer, I now know a lot about bikes". Well, you can and must do the same thing. It's not like rocket science. Just get in there and start wrenching. It's not like you're going to permanently destroy anything. You're just going to learn step by step, the ins and outs about bicycle mechanics. That's it! At the end of the day, you'll know your own bicycle better, and your next door neighbor's bicycle too!

If your brakes fail in six months from now, Nashbar will not see your brakes. You'll have to either fix them yourself, or pay someone to fix them, if you get the Hounder. If you get the Buzz One and your brakes fail, you can just take the bike back to REI and let them worry about it. However, there again, you're going to have to pay for that service, from paying upfront with a greater intial purchase price from the local sportings goods store, REI, which is a LBS equivalent.

The fact remains, that as long as you're a cyclist, you're going to continue to need bicycle mechanical assistance and be charged for that service. The sooner that you learn bicycle mechanics, the more money you'll save in the long run. The smart thing to do, would be to start you savings now.

- Slim

PS.

Get to the co-op! Mix, learn, and ride!