just a follow up bump on this thread-- a few weeks ago, i acquired a CAAD9/Dura Ace and immediately fell for it. that bike handles like nothing i've ever been on, and my confidence went up notches. i've raced on it 3 or 4 times already, and the getting dropped thing is in the past. i've had 1 top 10 finish since then, and 2 or 3 more bunch finishes. still working on that last lap thing, being in the right place - but staying in the lead group is now not a problem at all and i can dive bomb corners with the best, sprint out and be comfortable staying in the lead group, even attacking some ...its been fun
i know forum members were losing sleep on this so...just thought i'd update ;~))