mobileduck

Hi everyone, newbie here. I've been reading a lot on these forums the last few months while I've been researching a bike to buy. You guys know what you're talking about, so I'm hopeful you can help me out.

I just test rode an 19" 09 Marin Highway One (carbon fiber) at the Marin factory store in SF. It was the most incredible bike I've ever rode (though that's not coming from a place where I've rode many bikes in my lifetime. I've certainly rode a lot in my life, but I've owned 2 Cannondale MTB's in the early 90's and a GT AL MTB from 2000 - 2007.) Super fast and responsive . . . a dream to ride. However, after riding for a while I noticed that my wrists and hands were getting fatigued. When I returned to the shop, I then test rode a 20.5" Mill Valley (aluminum) . . . not the same feeling in the wrists and hands. So, my thought would be that I should go with a 20.5".

However, here's the rub(s)
- it's on sale for $1750. But they only have 19" (in the 09 & 10's.) And while the 11's are the same price, they're heavily de-specced from the 09 & 10. (dropping the carbon cranks, dura-ace, mavic wheels, etc.)
- The seat may have been too low on my ride, we never adjusted it upwards
- I'm only 5'9&5/8" and my inseam is 31" . . . so according to Marin's sizing chart, I should be well within 19" size. Though I do go about 220 lbs . . . so I am a bit top heavy.

So what I'm wondering is was the feeling in my wrists more likely due to poor saddle height, or is it a byproduct of riding an all carbon bike? Does 20.5" sound too big for my height? I really love this bike, but there's no way I can drop that kind of coin if the bike's not perfect. I am going to go back and ride it again in a week or so.

Appreciate any help/feedback.

Thanks!