I posted a few questions a few days ago here and thought I would update.

You all will be pleased to know that the LBS did it's job in convencing me to go a little farther up the food chain so to speak, and I now own a Trek 4500 WSD. Really they didn't have to do much convencing as the other treks do not come in a size that would fit me properly (I need a 14-15.5 frame) and the Gary Fishers were too long for me. I did try the specialized, but just did not like it (nor did I want the Aceras or to put any more $$$ into it to go up a model in the specialized).

I took it for the first short ride today (I have to get back in shape now) and although it was road only I am thrilled with it! Perhaps it's just because I haven't had a new bike (or one that's been cared for) in 8yrs, but it is amazingly smooth and the shifting is phenominal (I know, not compared to what most of you ride, but don't go telling me that I haven't had a bike that shifted right in a long time ). I can see where the complaints about the pedals come in, but I figure that's a relatively cheap upgrade if I find I can't stand them.