Chow Chow, sorry for the newb question, but why is this bike less likely to handle rides of 15 miles+? Is it because the components are likely to fail, or because the build of the bike will make longer rides more uncomfortable?

Joel, thanks for the information on how the CS1 might be upgraded..I'll check with the bike shop on prices. With a 7-speed cassette, did you have any trouble getting up hills? I live in Seattle so might need to bike up hills now and then..

Otter, thanks for the Shimano hierarchy! I was wondering how to compare components.

BTW, I also tried the Trek 7.2 fx, but found the fit uncomfortable (too much pressure on wrists/arms). I didn't make any adjustments...could that be fixed by adjusting the handlebars/etc., or is that just the geometry of the bike?

Thanks again!