yes, this is columbus.

So, it is over. I went to measure myself to LBS store. Before measurement the sales asked me what kind of bike I'd like to have, what is with the bike (like bag of water bottles which added the weight), what kind of roads I do, and approximate mileage a week - and entered all of the info into computer. They have a podium with posts of and laser beams. I was asked to stand against the posts in relaxed pose, the laser measured my height, then it measured the length on my arms - and leg length from the top of the hip. It all added up to so called "active height" if I remember correctly.
Then the machine printed out a chart with all recommended sizes my bike should have. It was from 47 to 51 cm, - but I am not sure, - because they keep the chart and do not give it away.
then we got to the bikes. the chart had the seat height, and he did not need me to seat on it to have it adjusted.

He gave me Felt for a test ride. the chain felt off once, and I felt the Felt has the most uncomfortable seat. Besides, the seat was too high I believe. I do not remember the model, but it was like $1,400 and cool red tires.
While i was riding Felt, the sales prepared Giant Defy 1 for me. I have lowered the seat down to my feelings, and not what the chart said, and immediately felt the difference. The 105 was really good and smooth. the Giant was $1,250. They did not want to lower the price no matter how much I asked them. So, i asked them to hold the bike until I check all my options.

But let me finish with the measurement. it probably gives you good idea about the right size of the bike, but I already knew, that I need something between 49 and 52, as a max, depending on geometry. However, the LBS had only two bikes of the 52 size in stock and it was triple (I wanted compact, but they did not have it), and they really wanted to sell me it, though it was not on their chart, where the max was 51, but I just did not pay attention to it then. I come to conclusion that these charts are somewhat helpful to confirm what you already should know, but you don't have to reach to something out of your range. I thought size 52 would be ok for me, but I was wrong.

So, I left the store to cool off, and get to another LBS where they have Cannondales, and have had the smallest one assembled for me as I asked them over the phone this morning. The Cannondale CAAD 8.6 was size 51. I rode it for a while and to my surprise felt it better than Giant!
Moreover, the LBS lowered the price when i asked them and sell me all bunch of clothes and shoes with some kind of discount.
Yes, it is Tiagra-Sora, but I considered saving couple hundred bucks worth it, especially that the hand shifters are not the thumb ones.
the bike weight as it is off the shelf is 21 lb. And it is red. Aren't the bike supposed to be red?

I end up paying:
2010 CAAD 8.6 - $920
Cannondale Bibs $80
Cannondale Long slv jersey $45
Shimano R098 shoes $35
Uncle Sam $70
The total bill is less than $1,200
(and this is the finance 6 or 9 month same as cash)

the bike i liked the most was Specialized Secteur, but it is for $1,400, not even penny less.

It took me about a month to buy an old used one, sell it back, figure it all out, and finally buy a new one.

Right after that I rushed to bike trail and spent there about hour and a half, but I did not feel exhausted as on my old bike, I think I woud ride and ride, and ride, but it was already dark. I felt really good. Though I am not into competition, only one giant bicyclist passed me, and it took me about 7 miles to catch up with him.

I am placing an order for clipless pedals, cages+bottles.

Sorry for such a long story, but to me this is the purchase of the century.
My family is out of town, and I took advantage of it tomorrow I am going to buy new computer.

If you don't mind I would ask you some questions:

What do you think about all that?

Is it a good deal? Be honest!

What else would be nice to have?

Where do you buy cheap bike stuff?

Where to get more time to ride the bike?

Where is the dust come from, and where do the money go out?

What is the meaning of life?

thank you very much. I hope to see some of you on the trail.

Oh, there is a picture of me on the new bike:

I photoshoped out the garage door behind me, b/c it is ugly.