I have almost 1600 dollars saved up. The Jake was 1475 since it was last years model and said with tax was 1575. I've owned a couple of trek bikes and they always hurt, Specialized bikes feel mushy and ride like sludge. I did like the Dolce though. All of them come with horrendous colors. My Trek/Specialized dealer isn't the greatest and that's the closest bike shop.

I adore my fat bike and really liked the Fargo. Most of Salsa's bikes run 1800-2000. Most of Surly bikes have bar end shifters. They guy at the LBS said Jamis had some nice cyclocross bikes that were similar to Kona. There's a dealer in Omaha. I'm in no hurry to buy a bike and I'll take my time. The Jake was the first bike I've ridden where it didn't hurt and I wasn't constantly shifting my weight.