Originally Posted by
rugerben
Agreed 110%. Hence my link to the Transend EX in post#3.
In my experience, Giant's MSRP is significantly higher than street price. I'd bet these actually sell for around $700-$750. I have a 2008 TranSend DX and I like it. The fenders are good (about the same as SKS) and the rack is awesome. I love it. The only problem with the rack is that the finish on the wood isn't very waterproof, so I needed to sand and refinish. I think that at $700 these would be solid competitors.
Edit to add: My bike had an MSRP of $465. I got it for $380 at the beginning of this season. Just to give you an idea of the MSRP vs. street price.
Giant doesn't use MSRP. They prefer Average Retail Price. The LBS sets their own pricing depending on the local economy. Most bike shops cater to either the roadies or mtber's. The shop owner/manager might have given you a deal just to get that bike off of his books.