i think that the $400 2010 is a better deal than the $545 2011, whether spec is the same or if there's been a downgrade.

I also think that if you work at Sun & Ski, and you're online looking at inventory, it probably *is* the intranet. That the same info is available online to everyone is a pretty cool thing, and i'm not surprised that dude didn't know about it. Uninformed, maybe, but not dishonest.

The weird "conventional wisdom" of the internet, about how there needs to be a complex voodoo ritual to size ppl to a standard framesize, has perplexed me for at least 10 years. You probably *are* a 56cm. Most experienced ppl can make this kind of guess with a fair amount of accuracy. They have a buttload of these 2010 masis (masii? Masapotami?) , which is why they're half price, and why the 2011 model is 2/3 of the 2010's msrp. f you think you're too tall for the 56cm, ask brotherman to order you a 56 *and* a 58cm. Tell him you'll buy whichever one fits you. No skin off their back.

And, yes, it is totally possible that the 56cm frame will fit you, but you might want a different stem/bar/saddle.

What i'm getting at is, don't get all bent out of shape b/c the sun&ski guys didn't give you the 3-ring circus that a lbs would've. The lbs also wouldn't special order you a 2010 model for half-price. I'd have given these guys maybe one strike, for not knowing their store's website. If you like that masi, buy it.

But, my out-of-nowhere suggestion? Buy a used bike in good shape, and ride that. Paralysis by analysis will prevent riding; don't let current retail prices complicate things. Get an early/mid eighties roadie with braze-ons, eyelets, and tire clearance. don't look back.
-rob