I also did go to a trek store - personally the treks are not appealing to me - not that looks matter that much but would you buy a car you find dont find appealing? ... I just want to atleast find it a little attractive... other wise the sales person kept bringing me to these girl bikes that look like ur gonna go ride by the beach with a basket and pompoms... I want a mean looking bike nothing pink and flowery - thank you. I do understand the purpose of the women bike that is designed for a women body but yeh no thank you for the pompom - i'm a very feminine girl but when im out ridding my bike its performance fitness time not picnic by the beach.

Also the sales person ended up recomending specialized to me which they dont sale there ... he prefered them to any other brand owning 5 bikes himself he had 2 specialized and said he would not go back to trek or canondale...

I have to say Specialized are the lighter ones I have seen thus far. Devinci claims they have lighter bikes yet when lifted one beside the other the specialized if finger lifting while the other isint.

So I guess it does come down to trying them out if they basically have similar parts. Hopefully when i return today I will have more options or will be more clear on what I want to get!