My primary concern about the Salsa is its geometry. I know the 17.5" Mendota fits me well. The 17.5" Rock Tour seems to be very good. The 2007 Salsa 17" frame looks good. But of their '08 models, I'd have to go with their 16" frame, as the top tube on the 18" is way too long. I'd have to ride it with a lot of seat post exposed and I'm concerned that I would have a more difficult time getting the correct height on the handlebars.

I know the Mendota is fine, but it has a longer headtube than the other two. If I go the Rock Tour route, I would have them cut the steerer tube extra long, so that I could play around with it for a while and could have it re-cut later once I found where I wanted to be. On the 16" Ala Carte complete bike, the steerer tube is pre-cut and it has a shorter headtube. I don't want to drop $1500 on a bike and then have to use a stem extender.

Thus I have reservations about ordering one, sight unseen. May have to see where my travels take me in coming months and plot those against Salsa stocking dealers.