Yamcha-
Like wrafl, I got my speed d7 from www.brandscycle.com in March (the cobalt blue '06 model for $290, which included tax and next day shipping). To be honest, I didn't compare it to the Vitesse or any other aluminum frame bikes before I purchased it...I instead test-fdrove it at a local bike shop and then saw it for a decent price on brandscycle's site (they were having a sale on the '06 model to make room for the '07..). Anyway, like wrafl, I have been riding this thing all over the city in horrendous places and conditions, and the ride has been excellent. I also have placed one of those gel seat covers (the kind I used for spinning at the gym) on my seat and have not noticed any inordinate shocks or bumbs. The longest ride I took was about 4 hours and I didn't notice a thing.
I hope this information helps.