Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Here are 3 choices that are available now and seem well suited to me:
1) Fuji Team from Performance on clearance for $1299, can get 10% back
http://www.all3sports.com/product_in...06&jsenabled=1
This is a carbon frame with a mix of Ultegra, 105, and other parts. Comes with compact crankset. I rode one yesterday and it seemed ok, certainly better than my current Trek 1200.
2) Tirreno Raza 1000 from Performance marked down to $1099.99, have coupon for 10% off, plus another 10% back
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3040
Is an aluminum frame with carbon seatstays and chain stays. It's got mostly Ultegra components with a compact FSA crankset and Cane Creek brakes. They don't have one in the store, but do have them in the warehouse still. This is definitely the low price deal, but has pretty good specs.
3) Mercier Serpens from BD
http://bikesdirect.com/products/merc...erpens2006.htm
Steel frame with Ultegra components and other parts from Ritchey. Obviously I would be ordering this by mail, but Mike provides a money back guarantee. I read in another thread here that this frame is a Fuji design from a few years ago. One other significant difference is that this bike is a triple.
Thoughts on the choices:
The Fuji rode well, but the component level isn't as good as the other two.
The Tirreno has a better list of components, but it's not in the store. However, Performance will ship it to my local store and do the setup. I can try it and if I don't like it, cancel the transaction before taking it home. Feedback from others who bought it has been positive.
These first two bikes also have the advantage of being from an LBS and will include lifetime tuneups.
The Mercier is a GREAT deal on paper. The component list is better than the others. Since I'm a heavier, older rider who is not planning to race, having the steel frame may actually be better. Everything I've read suggests that they can provide a better ride, which isn't a bad thing for this non-racer. Another factor tilting in favor of this bike is that it's a triple. I live in an area that's fairly hilly. I read through a bunch of threads last night to get some information on triples versus compacts. From what I know about my own riding style, combined with what I read, a triple may suit me better than a compact. I've looked through threads from people who say they've bought this bike, or steel frames, and the feedback has been positive. I also realize I'll have to do my own wrenching on this bike, but that's not really an issue. Other than major problems, I can take care of the little issues, such as a wheel that's slightly out of true, indexing not quite right, etc faster on my own than carting the bike up to the shop and waiting for them to fix it.
So, now to decide...