Originally Posted by queerpunk
people recommend IRO because you're buying from a guy who a) posts here, b) runs a small business c) is a great guy d) has a great product to sell at a great price e) gives fantastic customer service (do a search...). you know... "keepin' it in the community." i'd rather support Tony (which, in turn, supports all of us by giving us access to solid stuff at solid prices) than support some company that i don't care about...
I totally agree and if I were in the market for a new, affordable, complete bike I'd buy an IRO in a second. The only real reason I suggested Soma Rush was because he had $800 to spend. If you'd rather save $300 of that for something else, then buy an IRO and you'll love it. If you really want to exhaust the entire $800, buy a Soma Rush and build it up.
Hell, buy a Soma Rush and buy one of Tony's build kits. Best of both worlds.