Thanks for all your responses and advice. I still want to ride the Kona and give it a go. I am leaning against the Soma for that very reason, that it would be quite a bit more $$ up front and being a new rider don't know exactly what I want for everything yet. The frame did look intriguing though. Any other thoughts about the other three? It would be nice to hear from some owners of each to see how they like them. Thanks again!