Thanks for all of your suggestions and thoughts.
I went to 3 bike shops and looked at some really good looking bikes. Here are my opinions:
Surly CrossCheck - didn't like the bar end shifters
Trek XO-1 - double chainring and didn't like the gearing
Lemond Poprad - double chainring and didn't like gearing
Redline and KHS didn't impress me
Felt F1X - didn't like the gearing and kinda pricey
Bianchi Axis - didn't like the gearing or the cables spread out across a flat top tube
Bianchi Volpe - this was high on my list of contenders but I didn't like the gearing
Some were my size, others were "close" to the right size. All of the bikes were in-stock and most will be clearance priced next weekend, but regardless of price, if I don't like the bike or it doesn't fit then it's not a bargain.
So I bit the bullet and ordered a 2005 Jamis Nova. There aren't any in the USA yet. Jamis isn't even showing the 2005s on their website. I saw the bike in the catalog at the shop. It's black with gray accents. The bike shop owner contacted the factory and told me I may be able to pick it up around Thanksgiving.
I guess I'll put the Raleigh (shown below) on the auction block in time for someone to get a "new" bike for Christmas.