If I were buying the IH bike from a LBS, I agree that it seems like it is an overall better bike for the money. But none of the LBS in my area stock them - they are sold near me through EMS and Dicks. The models at EMS tend to be higher end, and the models at Dicks tend to be lower end. My concern is that the IH bikes that go to Dick's are overall lesser quality (like Target/Walmart bikes, but maybe a step above that). This is my main concern... this bike is a "special model" only sold at Dick's Sporting Goods. If the IH maverick 1.3 is an equal to the 4300 in quality, then I'd just get the IH.