Lots of options in that price range. If you are interested in the smoothie that would be cool. I've been eyeing one, well the ES, off and on for a while. If this is your first bike you might be better off buying from an LBS where you can test ride and get some good fit advice. If you more or less know what you are looking for a smoothie would be somewhat unique (unless you live in SF). I've only seen one around here so far. I asked the guy what he thought and he said he loved it. Btw, he was passing me on a steep hill so clearly the bike wasn't holding him back.