I have my eye on a '10 Cannondale CX Ultra at my LBS. When I compare components on the one at the LBS some of them are different than the components that I see on the Cannondale website for the same bike.

My question is: Does a LBS have the ability to purchase and stock a CX Ultra and specify from the manufacturer the grades of compenents that it is shipped with or would this be done perhaps against manufacturers rules by the LBS itself? Does the bike's serial number have any relationship to whether a CX is a 1 or a 2 like a car's VIN number does, which should then coorespond to the manufacturers stated components? I know that pricing is going to be variable from one LBS to another. One indicator of squirreliness on the LBS's part is their reluctance to discuss this issue.

One other thing...if a LBS has an '09 still in stock shouldn't I expect to pay a discounted price since the '11s are out?

I'm having a problem feeling that I'm comparing apples to apples, and while all of this componentry is pretty good stuff, better perhaps than I really need if truth be told, if I am paying for high end equipment I should be getting that. I'm not new to biking but am fairly new to 21st century bikes; I purchased a Quick5 two years ago and love the bike but now am lusting after better stuff like disc brakes like my Catrike has and who doesn't like buying a new bike?

Thanks for any advice folks