Hi all. First post, but I've been lurking quite a bit. As an overview, I've been riding a Trek hybrid to work for three years and now I want to get more into longer riding and weekend stuff. I live in Boston and it's fall time, what better way to see the area?! I was initially focused on finding a sleek road bike (I like going fast) but now I'm also considering a cyclocross. I've done a ton of research over the past few months (on this site and others) and have narrowed my search to two bikes at two different stores near me that fit my budget and seem awesome enough to buy. I need some help deciding, however. I've test ridden both, and I like the fit and feel of both, though they are obviously different. It really comes down to needing that last little push to decide.


Bike #1: 2010 Cannondale CAAD9 6 ($950)
I LOVE: that it's light and very fast; a true entry level roadie with a great frame
BONUS: racing could be awesome, but unlikely for a while since im newbie
MY CONCERN: will it be comfortable over a multi-hour ride and is it fragile

Bike #2: 2010 Kona Jake ($700)
I LOVE: that it's cheaper (student debt is a &%!), more rugged, and still seems pretty fast
BONUS: doing trails could be awesome, but will be on pavement at least 80% of the time; could commute with it as well;
MY CONCERN: that if I start doing group road rides with friends and such, I won't be able to keep up even with slicks

Any thoughts as to which I should go with? Bottom line is I want to pick the one that will be most fun and that I will want to keep on riding.