> What other brands do your local dealers carry?

Most brands are available where I live (Minneapolis): Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Bianchi, Seven, Felt, Scott, etc. so I shouldn't be too constrained by availability.

> Frame stiffness does not affect power transfer efficiency.

I've been wondering about this. It seems that if you deflect the bottom bracket when you push down on the pedals, the frame is going to spring back and return that energy to the drive train. Is that what you are thinking?

> Go to the LBS and ask them if you could test ride those bikes for, say 1/2 an hour each on the roads. That should give you a better idea on how comfortable they are. If your LBS does not permit this, find a new one.

That will be my goal when I go shopping.

Thanks, everyone, for the replies so far.