Thank you for your suggestions!
I'll be sure to take a look at the various LBS here in Vancouver, BC and update this thread. One thing I'm sure of though is that I definitely do not want to spend more than $1k on this new bike. I sold my old one to my friend, so I will just have one bike for all around use
Oh, this is my old bike:
http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searc....aspx?id=22818