Originally Posted by
Polaris OBark
If it were cash, I would agree.
If it is a merchandise credit and it requires you to spend more than $800, I disagree (unless you want that gravel bike, in which case you should apply it to one of the new generation, carbon frame, etc). But you can get a great touring frame for $800, better than my Soma Saga, and better than my erstwhile Trek 520 (1990).
You bring up an interesting point. I can apply the $1,300 credit towards any Trek bike. The dealer suggested a Checkpoint ALR 5. Should I be looking at a carbon fiber frame Checkpoint instead?