Thank you for your post. It helps ease things, I think I'm going to go with the Ronin, I took it for a test drive and it was nice, I am bit heavier then most for my height, 220 lbs 5'10". But the bike felt very light to me. I also particularly liked the shifters on it (Shimano Tiagra 9 Spd). This will be the first bike I bought over $300.

I figured the Ronin 10, with the lower end parts (no Tiagra), coupled with the driving distance, and then not having a working relationship with a local shop. At least this way with the local shop I can get good prices on swag there. After gas and time I figured the $500 price diff isnt that big of a deal.

Thanks again for your post.