Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
Any of the components will be fine. Everyone always says buy the best you can afford. Definitely avoid over-spending. It's too bad they don't have a rim-brake Tiagra model. That would be a better price. You might try to find a model with Tiagra within budget. Maybe one on sale. (I always find the bike I want, for the price I want. So far, always discounted). But, again, entry level components exist for a reason. There is no problem with them at all.

Another possibility to try is the Jamis Ventura.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/venturacomp.html
That is a lovely bike! Unfortunately, the nearest shop where they sell it is over an hour away. Depending on how this weekend goes, maybe I'll have to travel!