Then I wouldn't recommend paying that much it has gone up in price since I got mine but it is $449.99 from Soma. There are plenty of cheap bikes but this bike is a real winner. I can buy plenty of cheap bikes on craigslist or wherever but this bike is quite special. It is a long term bike with loads of possibilities. If I ever get bored I can get different wheels and tires and convert it to something else. Make a single speed or fixed gear, put a double or triple at the front and make it more of a touring bike. Drop bars, flat bars, other alt bars...
It is my cheapest bike festooned with nice but parts bin stuff but it is one of my most ridden bikes because it is just right.