After many hours of research online and visiting a couple of stores, ended up buying this beauty for my daughter.
The online price says $799.00 but the instore price is $699.00. Comparable models in other brands ie. Specialized and Giant range from about $1000.00 to $1400.00.
Nudging towards the top end of bikes, this was a no brainer deal. The more learned than me may be able to pick up it's shortcomings but for us we could not turn it down. By the way the photos do not do it justice, looks much better in the flesh… metal.
I've purchased accessories from this store in the past, they've been around since forever (lived in the surrounding area for around 30 years and Im pretty sure they've been there since). Their service is genuine, I highly recommend them.
Specs:
Frame: Shogun 6061 alloy with internal cable routing
Colour: Satin black/blue
Fork: Shogun rigid alloy with rack mounts
Headset: 1-1/8" integrated threadless
Handlebar: Consul Control 620mm x 31.8mm
Stem: Consul Control alloy 90 x 31.8mm
Grip: Shogun lock on TPR
Saddle: Consul Control comfort
Seat Post: Consul Control alloy micro adjust
Seat Post Clamp: Shogun Alloy collar
Rim: Shogun double wall alloy, 700C
Spokes: Stainless steel
Tyre: CST 1421 700 x 32C
Tube: 700 x 32PV
Front & Rear Hub: Alloy quick release
Shifter/Brake Levers: Shimano Altus rapid fire 9 speed
Front Dérailleur: Shimano Altus 3 speed
Rear Dérailleur: Shimano Acrea 9 speed
Crank Set: Consul Control alloy 3 piece
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge
Freewheel: Sunrace 9 speed
Pedal: Alloy caged
Rear Brake: Tektro hydraulic disc brake
Front Brake: Tektro hydraulic disc brake
Okay price for those who can go instore but not for others. An alternative would be the Reid Urban X3 for $750 which arguably has better components all round.