Thanks for all the replies.

The Carbon fork
Why? mostly because I have one. I've decided to ditch it and if I go with a classic racer, just get a new steel fork.

Room for fenders
I think I need to just finish up an all-weather bike now (my allez is NOT it) and pick up the racer for next summer. And move to San Diego.

Conflicting needs
It's true. I mostly like the Italian racers because the paint jobs and typography are so amazing. What can I say? I'm a designer.

Iv'e test ridden a Soma Smoothie ES which was pretty good. The Riv Hillenbrand was not for me. The Surly's were too bendy for me. (65, 200). I'll probably get the Soma for now but that thread belongs in another section.

Thanks.