Hmm, OK you-all have got me convinced. I need to take more time and learn more, and probably use a different shop. Thanks especially for the last couple of posts, they really cleared things up for me.

Any ideas on a good shop in NYC where I can just chat about different frames and custom v. stock? I've been on an ultra-brick-like bike for the last couple of years, so it may be that I can get an inexpensive frame, add S&S (or maybe I don't *really* need those couplers?) and good components and be fine.

A lot of the time I find myself thinking, "well the frame doesn't have to be *that* light/new. I can achieve the same results by losing 10lbs before the trip after all..."