Late last night I ran a comparison of the 2007 Globe Expert vs 07 Globe Pro vs 08 Globe Pro

The 08 Globe Pro is cheaper than the 07, and given the weakness of the dollar and price increases on 08 models, I knew this translated into some lesser components on the 08 model, and I was correct. They dropped the carbon handlebar, went from an Avid 7R on the rear brake to a 3R, dropped one model on the Octalink bottom bracket (ES-30 to ES-25), and went from XT to LX shift levers. In essense the 08 Pro lies midway between the 07 Elite and 07 Pro.

My local Specialized shop still has an 07 Globe Elite in 52cm. And they have SRAM X.9 RDs and Twistshifters. They quoted me a price of $1040 for the Elite with the X.9 upgrades from the standard LX RD and Deore thumbshifters.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...007&spid=22057

Now we are talking about a bike that is extremely close to my specs. And is a near perfect fit. Except it is black, and a flat black at that. One of my least favorite colors. Not that I give much weight to color, unless it is something I would be embarrassed to be seen on.