Help me choose...
 

I've been thinking about getting an entry level road bike (never had one before). Since the REI stores are having their big annual sale, I'm considering one of these 3 bikes. Does anyone own any of these? What's your experience with these brands?

http://www.rei.com/product/808997/ra...o-20-bike-2011
http://www.rei.com/product/809915/sc...-s50-bike-2011
http://www.rei.com/product/811555/ca...se-7-bike-2011

They are in the same price range and the components seems pretty close, although I'm not experienced in bikes. Any suggestions will be appreciated. :p

I recently bought this one myself from Performance, also 15% off this week:
2010 Fuji Newest 1.0
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...LAID=859291091
Since it's last year model, they may not have in the stores. Ship to store is "free" with $30 charge for oversize.
Hopefully more knowledge people can comment on the component differences.

just saw someone's posting in another thread that they would not buy from REI.... I never bought a bike there before. Should I not go there for bikes? The sales they have now and the generous return policy I heard about seem very good.

Mainly because REI only has entry[ish]-level bikes. A lot of people here build their own bikes, and you can't find the good stuff at REI (though I love the store, it just isn't the best choice for some things).

Personally, I'd get the C'Dale.

I personally don't like REI for bikes because it is not a bike store. They have bikes, but it is more of a camping/outdoor activity store. I would prefer to buy from an actual bike shop. That's just me. I've been to REI several times and every time it's a total zoo and there never seems to be any employees in the bike section. To me it would be like buying a bike from Sports Authority or Target. And REI prices are pretty high. I'm sure others have very different opinions on REI.

ok. 1 vote for the Cannondale. How about the Scott and Raleigh?
I don't have to get it from REI, but i'd still like to know if those are good bike for fitness purpose and occasional long group rides.

A friend of mine preferred the Scott over the Cannondale. His claim was that they both felt and rode the same. The deal breaker was the color. He is a Steelers fan.

i'd go with either the Raleigh or the Cannondale, the Scott has lower-end components and i'm pretty sure it wouldn't be long before you'd want something more. Sora is a pretty decent starter group, but if you can up your price range from $800 to $1000 you can pick up a Scattante with Shimano 105 shifters and derailleurs from Performance Bike. i have one myself, it's a great entry-level bike and the 105 components are very smooth compared to the Sora components on my wife's bike.

Now I'm looking at a Giant Defy 1 with Shimano 105 components. Used 2010 model, but it seems to be in good shape. Decisions... decisions....

The Giant is better than the three you posted above. Probably a little more expensive, but if it's in your budget get the Giant.