I also test rode the Emonda S4, and almost bought it. At the time I was just about to pull the trigger on a Madone 2.1, and the guy had me test ride it because it just came in and it was close to my stated price range. The carbon frame did feel amazingly solid, and absorbed quite a bit of vibe vs. the Madone (aluminum frame / carbon fork). At the end of the day, I couldn't justify spending $1700 after tax, getting a Tiagra groupset and only shaving one pound off the aluminum Madone (which has 105 and it $400 cheaper).