First serious roadie for a "bike guy"

[fishymamba]

I still want an expensive bike, though.

Back to the bikes: I have a CAAD9 and it's an awesome bike, super stiff and responsive. The ride is kinda harsh, but it's not a big problem for me, I kinda like the feel of the road. I got mine new for $850, so it is good value for money. The CAAD 10 is supposed to be even better than the CAAD9(I have not tried one yet).
I think most people will advise to go for high end aluminum(CAAD9, CAAD10),instead of getting low end Carbon. How much do you want to spend on a new bike?

[TWong1200]

So, shortly after you made this suggestion, I raised the seat on the Kona about two inches. Immediately felt the *back* side of that same knee hurt. I figured this was a good indicator that this was the right track, so I cut the difference so it was up about an inch, and decided to stick with that and see what happens.
No problems on my commute during the week, but I never have problems on shorter rides, so I figured I'd wait for some longer rides and report back.
Went to Philly the next weekend and did a ton of riding, including a 60-mile trip to Valley Forge. No obvious problems with the knee -- only thing I really noticed was some back/hand fatigue, so I bought some moustache bars at a swap meet there which ought to give me some more hand positions on the Kona, and I bought a cadence computer there too.
Keeping my fingers crossed, but Twong1200, I think you solved my problem the cheapest and easiest way imaginable.

I still want an expensive bike, though.

Glad I could help!