I've been suffering with my 2011 Specialized Tarmac Elite since last December. As you know I've swapped several components trying to make it as comfortable as my Litespeed. It's close but not there yet.
Today I went to a bike shop where a friend works because they're having a big sale, trying to get rid of the 2011 stock. I told them about the Tarmac (they also sell Specialized). The manager told me that the sales person at the other shop didn't do me any favors. The Tarmac is better suited for fast rides, racing, etc. That's not me.
Anyway, I went to test ride a Felt F5 -- the bike I wanted last December when I ended up with the Specialized. Felt had a recall at the time and no bikes were available in my size or price range.

<EDIT> The shop manager recommended the Z5 over the F5. He said it was a more comfortable ride. Was he hinting that I'm old? </EDIT>

They didn't have a Z5 in my size so I test rode a Z4. Wow, was it love --- or was it lust? I really liked it. The shop manager said he'd call Felt on Monday to see if they have the Z5 in my size in stock. When I got home I told my wife about the bike, the Z4/Z5 thing, etc. She said, "Just get the bike you like." Gotta love her!
I called the shop manager and told him I'd be there tomorrow (the shop was closing in about 5 minutes) to test ride the Z4 with my bibs, pedals, and shoes. If it feels WONDERFUL it'll be coming home with me.


Any Z4 or Z5 owners who can offer their 2 cents?