I just bought the same bike, for the money you can not even come close to the same components at the LBS. I did not have a spending limit, but this is also my first mountain bike, therfore, I figured I would start here and if I really get into it I will move up in a couple years. In the meantime, this will do anything I need for now. By the way, the person that helped me was a prior co-owner of a LBS and knew a ton about bikes. He said most of their bikes are crap, but a few are really good for the money and the one I bought was one of them. Will let you all know, but I rode it today and loved it.