thanks for the advice...
i don't plan on competing, but do plan on going 110% on my rides...
i was used to running 10 miles a day (~50 min to 55.)... then knee surgery so now am going to cycling (planning on 30 miles a day) trying to go as hard and fast as possible.

the bike guys know what theyre doing...
i mean its hard to go lower quality once i rode the tcr3.
its like having a luger's steak and then trying to settle for an outback steak. too late.
they sucked me in.

there's the dilemna... the bike will cost $1300 but what bout extras? do i need it all to have a machine that can go as hard and fast as my determination will allow? then again, as derath said:

"It is cheaper to buy the right bike once that you will be happy with, then to buy a lesser "entry" bike and then feel the need to upgrade in a couple years."

i do like the carbon over the aluminum becaus of comfort.
argh!!! desicions!