Hey SF, good to see your post. You know my preference is for dusty trails and keeping my distance from the petro burners. But I know you are good on the pavement and keep yourself safe. The Novara's stiffness doesn't sound fun. But if a LBS will give you $500, can you sell it on Craig's List for that? Maybe then pickup a used full suspension MTB. You live ina great part of the world for getting off road. It would also be a good buy for running around town, coffee and errands. Seems redundant to have two skinny tired bikes when you can have options. That is just my .02.