Avail 3 vs Scattante R-330

[Owlie]

So even if you don't go with a Giant, I would make sure that you are really getting your moneys worth. As my mom used to say "no sense being penny wise, and pound foolish".
Proper fit is essential with a road bike. Don't skimp on that!!

This. Just because of the nature of Performance stores--you go there to buy things that you can buy online if you don't want to pay for shipping--makes me think that fit and making sure it's right for the buyer is of secondary importance.

You know, I'm going to ask my boyfriend if he's ever bought a bike from them. I'm pretty sure he hasn't. (And Running Mommy, if Goodyear is where I think it is, odds are good that he'd be dealing with the same Performance store you are.) He's rather set on that bike, but I've got my doubts, and I think you hit the nail on the head. I'd much rather buy a bike from somewhere that will actually make sure it's right than somewhere that only might. I'm also asking "Okay, why is this thing so cheap?"

ETA: Catriona--Yes. I will consider and test both bikes. Since this is quite a bit of money and I probably won't be upgrading for a while (living on grad student funds...), I'll be making pretty sure that I like the bike.