Very good, thanks so much guys! Exactly as I suspected on many of the points. I actually fell in love with the Rival hoods and shifting but this guy just kept selling me on the Shimano, and now that I think of it, the 105 was sitting right there and the Rival was most likely an order. I'm glad so many said this, b/c I was trying to figure out what incentive there would be for him to push me off onto a bike if he wasn't getting commission.

I understand the bling factor, but sometimes you just give in to the marketing. For the most part, I'm interested in the allure and comfort of the CF frame and I love the look of the 2011 SL2's. From the brief test rides, I also felt more confident on the stiffer Specialized than the Madone when turning with my hands in the drops. Both were responsive under strong acceleration and to be honest, the rest is just above my head. All I know is that I've been looking at bikes since college and lusting after certain models. I've been wanting to get into the sport for literally years, and I think the time has come - the entry point: The Tarmac. As Bart Scott would say, "CAN'T WAIT!"

Thanks Again, everyone!