SemperFi - I went and test road a Giant OCR Limited. It had the works - all carbon, top of the line Shamino shifters, brakes, state of the art this and that. It was a really nice bike. I could buy it for $1600. But it was really hard on my neck and when I rode it over some ruff street it about rattled my teeth out. On smooth pavement though it was like ice skating. It was nice. I still think the Sequoia might be my best bet. I can get it for about $1000. I'm going to go and try one out tomorrow. I have high hopes as I really want a good road bike. I sure appreciate your input as I think you and I have almost the same back problems.