thank you all for the comments. I called a number of bike shops to find the Specialized and the Trek to test ride them. I know that they're about the most popular models at my price range, but I didn't expect the 4/4 LBS that I called to be out! One shop, that I've heard good things about, had an intriguing alternative though. For a bit more, they had last year's Cannondale Quick-3 on closeout! I tried it out, it felt faster and more nimble than anything I've every been on...so I bit the bullet and coughed up the extra cash. It's a beautiful bike, but the lever for the seat height adjustment needs to be replaced next week (on them of course). Glad to have the extra carbon fiber as I haul this thing to the top floor of my pre-elevator age building! Bye Bye BELLY!