OK, so I rode the Felt today. I also rode a similarly-priced 2012 Roubaix SL3 Pro, with Ui2 at a different LBS. Rode both for about 10 miles, though on very different terrain.

The one definite conclusion is that I am going to buy a very nice bike. Compared to what I am riding now, riding a good super-light carbon bike makes so many differences, and it's going to be impossible to resist the upgrade. The surprise is that I didn't love the Felt as much as i expected, and that I liked the Roubaix more than I expected.

Some observations:

I've ridden carbon before, but even still, it was a joy to be on a high quality carbon frame - because of the weight and because of the ride. In particularly, the vibration-damping of the Roubaix is everything people say it is.

Electronic shifting really is different and really is pretty sweet. Whether it's so great as to justify the expense, I'm having trouble deciding. Also, getting the feel of the shifters is going to be an issue - particularly in cold weather when I'm wearing fingered gloves - I fumbled around quite a bit at first.

I don't know how much the Roubaix weighs, but the Felt is <16 lbs without pedals. That's easily 5 lbs less than my current Al Trek. Plus, the test bikes were bare - no water bottles, no saddle bag - and so I really noticed the bike weight climbing hills.

Handling on both bikes is superb. I often wonder at the detailed analysis people offer - such and such bike cornered so well or particular wheels that have the right or wrong stiffness. I won't claim to have that level of awareness, but I felt totally confident turning and descending with both bikes.

Also surprisingly, I got much better attention and service at the LBS selling the Roubaix - the place is the largest chain in the area and my impression usually is that it's staffed by 20somethings with attitude (and different 20somethings every time I go in there), but the guy spent a lot of time with me - put me on the trainer and made a lot of adjustments before my ride - including swapping in a longer stem. At the other LBS - a much smaller operation known locally for its personalized service, they sent me out to ride after just a brief adjustment to the seat height.

Decisions decisions

Decisions, decisions.

Decisions, decisions...