So for a good many years, bikes were getting to be a better and better value, really great bikes at $500. Then prices started to zoom, and then really zoom during the pandemic. And thus, used bikes became a much better value, but also because I could find ones needing an overhaul really cheap and then do that. But now, with the supply glut I am hearing about, new prices have adjusted. I think that REI bike is a great value, everything new, warranty, usually good initial setup by REI and one free adjustment after cables stretch and such, has disc brakes (a big plus in my book, especially for wet or off-pavement riding, better stopping and not wearing the rim sidewalls), and designed for the task the OP wants it for. That's just a great value. Oh heck yeah.