Thanks for the quick replies. This is actually my 3rd hybrid bike. They keep getting stolen :-( My previous bikes were Trek 7.2 or 7.3, Kona Dew Deluxe. both in that mid price point. All of them rode fine though i always thought the kona didn't ride as fast as the Trek but i don't know why. My LBS has a sale on Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant this weekend.