Originally Posted by
Phil_gretz
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.
Phil's right on the money, IMO. The great thing about bikes is that while brands differ, the commonality of materials and components makes comparisons easier to do, which helps determine the value you're getting. You need to spec out the components you want and find the bike that comes closest to meeting those within your budget. Until you start talking about high-end models, there's not enough difference between various manufacturers to really stress over as long as you have the component mix that you want.