I should add that I got the World Ave. 1 for just a shade over $400 with a web discount (which the local store honored). I find it very responsive, and geared very nicely for all the terrain I have to tackle around here. It can be a little bit hilly sometimes.

I'm spoiled here in the DC area. There are a bunch of Performance stores around--two within biking distance of my house, two more within a half-hour's drive. The quality of the stores varies pretty widely, though. The one closest to me doesn't seem to have many people working there who know much. The one that's a half-hour bike ride away is considerably better. And the one in Rockville, Maryland, where I got the bike, is awesome.