Originally Posted by timdoug

Nearly all the manufacturers will have a bike in that price range similar to the Kona's. I would go to at least 3 stores with different bikes and ride them around. By the one that fits the best, has the shifters you like, and looks the way you want. At the very least you want the Cro-Moly frame or aluminium frame. Don't get the gas-pipe frame, don't be that guy.