Travbikeman, I cleaned my rotors again today and they continue to improve. I realized this may partially be my fault. Last week when I sensed a problem, I cleaned the rotors with a "generic" automotive cleaner degreaser. It did not occur to me this product would leave a residue but apparently it did. Needless to say, lesson learned.

Roadweary, I looked at Trek briefly but I knew I was not in the price range of the 7.7. I wanted disc brakes but I also wanted better shift gear than the 7.4 Disc offered. To be honest, Trek didn't make it to my short list. Specialized is an entirely different story. I looked very carefully (and rode) the Sirrus Comp Disc and the Sirrus Elite Disc. In the end I compared my Fastroad SLR 1 and the Sirrus Comp Disc very carefully. Even though the big, local Specialized LBS chain (Erik's Bike Shop) are really great guys and I would highly recommend them, I decided on the Giant. I picked the Fastroad SLR 1 over the Comp Disc for four main reasons:

1. They had nearly identical brakes and shifter gear but the Fastroad was $100 less.
2. The Fastroad frame is a new design. I thought the Fastroad frame was more "trick" and represented some newer thinking. I also though the welding of the frame was quite a bit cleaner on the Giant.
3. I noticed the Fastroad ran all of the cables inside the main tube. The Sirrus had one cable still running outside the main tube. I thought the Sirrus design was kinda weird.
4. I like liked the Giant color scheme better.

Overall, I like my new Fastroad quite a bit. I occasionally wonder if I should have stepped up and bought a carbon frame, but I am very happy with my choice. Besides, I have yet to see another Fastroad out there yet. It's an eye catcher. People ask me about it often.

By the way, I bought my Giant from Bike King in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Kip and Nick are great guys and I recommend them highly.