I am completely aware as to how different the CAAD9 and Z series is. I'm sure that sounded goofy when I originally stated that I was looking at both. I am also looking at the Felt F series, but I am figuring the Z will be more comfortable. I am just looking for something for just general road riding on a daily basis, and some centuries tossed in here and there. I'm not afraid to drop a decent amount of money (my decent is topping out at $2,000) but I am also buying my wife a new bike, a hitch carrier for my truck, and a burley for my son, so yeah I have a lot of crap to buy this spring, LOL. Most of the bikes I'd really be happy with and not want to change anything are more in the $2500-$3000 range, but it just isn't happening. I think I'll be OK though.