Not sure why you're fixated on REI, unless you're a frequent customer and take advantage of their rebate program. REI tends to sell at the high end pricewise. I wouldn't ever buy parts or accessories there - way too high... So, my thought is that there are better deals out there at other bike shops. You'll need to ride more bikes and stop obsessing about frames and components. Much of it doesnt' really matter anyway. Find a bike that fits you, that you can afford reasonably, and that comes from a shop where they treat you right.

Those would be my $0.02.