So what did you decide on? I remember trying out the Specialized Allez, the Giant Defy, the Specialized Roubaix, a Trek Madone, a Kestral Talon, a Jamis Xenith, and a Surly Longhaul. The Specialized bikes were a little too harsh for me, the Trek was a little bit more than I wanted to spend (at the time, it finally changed when it came down to it), the Surly was not as lively, and the Kestral freaked me out. I ended up getting the Defy Advanced (all carbon fiber) because the ride was the liveliest and plushest for the longer rides.