DW -- I was trying a range of bikes from roadie to pure commuter. I wanted to try the Base but ran out of time. All I know is that the Comp is the bike I've been thinking about since.

I like the Deore/105 combo and the color. It looks like the Elite wasn't carried over to 2006, so you should deffo get that one if you like it.

BTW, here are two links that show the 2006 Comp at US$799 street:

http://kozy.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=4861
https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/12703/

and the main Specialized site does show MSRP of 880 -- again. I swear the prices weren't there yesterday, I must be crazy.

I'm hoping my local LBS' price will come in around the same.