Jamis,Ibex,Kona,Marin,and Novara(REI) all give you nicely specc'd bikes for the money. Cannondales are expensive for what you get because they're made in the US. Most other companies give you just what you're paying for.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X