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?

https://www.rei.com/product/808997/ra...o-20-bike-2011
https://www.rei.com/product/809915/sc...-s50-bike-2011
https://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.

I recently bought this one myself from Performance, also 15% off this week:
2010 Fuji Newest 1.0
https://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.