DB isn't department store trash. The sell low end entry level stuff and high end stuff just like nearly everybody else. DB does mostly seem to be sold at the larger chain stores though and at least around here the only ones in stock are the low end entry level things. $375 doesn't buy you much from anybody but I'd bet it will go further with DB than say specialized. I'm a bit biased though since I just picked up a used DB sortie frame/fox fork/other bits for about the same price as a similar specialized frame alone would have gone for thanks to DB being looked down upon by the bike snobs. DB gets about the same amount of crap as say bikesdirect.com bikes get which you may also want to consider. If you don't mind used that would be a best way to go at that price point IMO. Get a couple year old mid-high end entry level bike somebody has outgrown or given up the sport.