I bought hardtail mtb bikes for stepson and his wife. Hers was from REI, last year's model marked down 15%, his from BikesDirect. Similarly equipped, his was somewhat less expensive and had slightly nicer components. Hers came with a free 500 mile tune-up and was a color she really liked; his is black and he has to do any adjustments himself. They both like the bikes a lot. If you know what you are ordering, BD can be a good deal. Returns are reportedly problematic and costly. REI has a great return policy.