There's one other wrinkle in the situation. There's a guy who wants to trade me my Guerciotti for a 2008 Specialized Tarmac Comp in a 61cm size + $400 cash. The other buyer (both are coming tomorrow) wants to pay cash that would net me $200 profit on the sale. If the bike looks in good shape and the steerer tube hasn't been cut down so low (like the current bike I have) that I couldn't get the stack height the same as on the Secteur that I rode this afternoon, I might trade him. I'd use the extra to have the bike tuned, get fresh tires (if needed), and get some accessories I want (better helmet, jersey, etc).

Does that seem reasonable? I ran this option by the guys at the shop I was test-riding, and they said that they'd take a look at the frame to make sure it was in good condition and that they'd recommend something like that to their friends-- get used carbon in good shape in the right size. They charge a nominal fee for a fitting (they said I should expect to spend 2 hours at the fitting), and I think it'd be money well spent to be sure it was dialed in.

The question now becomes: brand-new aluminum frame with Apex (shop is selling the Secteur/Apex combo for $1400, but I have seen others quoting $1250 for the same bike) or used carbon with 105 + new helmet/riding gear/etc? I'm feeling pretty confident that with the fit info we got this afternoon, I could make the Tarmac set up the same way. I'd also likely need wider bars-- my shoulders are super broad (measured 45.5cm from AC joint to AC joint). Thoughts, anyone?