"I think a versatile quality 29er, coming from a huge Sporting Goods Supplier such as REI, would be a solid sale."
I bought a 2014 Novara Safari for $630 (30% off Labor Day Sale), and am really stoked. Steel frame, quality components including caliper Deore brakes on 29er rims (28 x 1.6 Continental tires, but the rim says 29er), can upgrade to disc brakes (recommendations?), Shimano 27spd drive train and braze-on fittings everywhere. What more could I need? Of course, a front rack to augment the rear rack that came with the bike, a set of panniers and a few other accessories.... My bucket list is getting nervous. Anybody want to come with?