I might be off, but it's DEFINITELY worth over 600 (USD). DEFINITELY. I think 900 is a good guess, but it is a guess. It is not a mid-range frame in terms of tubing, but I have no idea what or who Phoenix is. Is it a good builder? No clue. If you like the ride, it's a good bike. I'll tell you that this was the most expensive tubing on the market then outside of titanium. EL OS was similarly priced. A lot of builders with max chose not to use lugs because the lugs (especially the bb shell) were chunky and heavy. Mine was filed down by the builder - God knows how long that took. Few would take the time.