That changes things, You can get decent bikes from bike shops in the $300 to $500 price range. Not sure if you have a Performance Bikes in your area, but they do offer alot of bikes in this range. They offer a lot of services and will let you test ride the bike. You would be a lot happier riding those than the Iron Horse.

That Trek, to me seems like a good bike as well!

My 2 pennies!