Originally Posted by hjeand

Thanks for the help. I took a look at the Cannondales last night and almost walked out with a miss-marked CAAD9 Optimo 3 (ultegra build with Askium Equipe wheels) for $1250 but it was a 56 and I want a 54. I am really looking for a smaller bike than my Surly which is slightly too big for me. Also, I want a bike with STI shifters where I have bar-ends now.
The more I think about it, the more I think I want a nice aluminum bike to complement my steel one now. I doesn't make much sense to have two similar steel bikes in my mind.
I really like the Cannondales, but am also considering building a Salsa La Raza or Campeon. The problem being once I buy the frame and group it will cost significantly more. Another bike I saw that might work is the Giant OCR Comp 3. I also am considering the Lemond Alp d'Huez and Sarthe.
I've seen Moots, Waterfords, Independent Fabrications, Vanillas, Litespeeds, etc on the road, but have know idea where to buy these and all the bike shops that I go to only sell Trek, Lemond, Giant, Scott, etc...
One other thing to note is I'm 5'10" 135 lbs because I think that might make a difference for what bike I get too.