Ride as many bikes as you can in your price range and buy the one that feels "right" to you. After all, if you aren't comfortable on the bike you aren't going to ride it.. Any decent bike shop will also make sure you fit the bike properly.. if they don't, walk away. Also if you are going to upgrade componants at the time of sale most shops will give you credit for your unused parts on trade.
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Robb
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