I personally prefer the jamis name to the marin name. Not to say you're trying the wrong size either, but I'm 6'3" or so and I ride a 21" fisher. Just something to keep in mind, not sure if you're new to the sport or not. But in general a $300 price difference should definitely get you some nicer stuff. So I would definitely expect the eldridge to be a nicer bike. I was actually looking at getting an exile frame at one point, but Jamis wouldn't sell me one...oh well.