Many thanks to Stubacco, bsyptak, Velo Girl, and aiguy.

Stubacco: Regarding your nudges toward getting a road bike. Nah ) A few weeks back, I tried a Specialized Sequoia equipped w/ a carbon fork. It was probably the most comfortable road bike I've ridden to date - but not comfortable enough. Having the extra hand positions means nothing to me because that "extra" area (drops, curved ends etc.) is in places that aren't comfortable for me. Plus I don't feel like I have complete control of the bike... so again, "no thanks." Except for the "drop-bar factor," I think the cyclocross idea is a good one. Swapping out the saddle for a Brooks is something I'll definitely consider. I have a B66 on my Bridgestone MB and like it. Thanks for your endorsement on the Specialized Armadillos. There is a Specialized dealer nearby. They sell them for $20, which is about right I think.

bsyptak: I did test ride the Coda Sport but it wasn't in my size (23") The LBS told me that they may not be open this Friday, due to a Thanksgiving holiday extension; but, if they do work, they will build one in a 23 size. I'll try it out on whatever day they are open for business. Probably on Thursday. I hate to have to wait that long, but "open-days" have been reduced to Thur-Saturday since the middle of October.

I like the look of your Giant Cypress SX - for sure! One concern is that I probably would have to change the wheel. Does it have the standard amount of spokes? Viewing your pic, I'm thinking it might be a few shy of standard. I'm 250 pounds and will be carrying additional weight in my panniers. Hey, I can only hope to get down to _your_ weight ) I'm 6'2" and carry it fairly well.... but still. Also, at this point, I think I'd like to get some experience w/ a carbon fork. I've come to this conclusion recently, since my first posting. When I first posted this thread it wasn't that big a factor (after all I was seriously considering the Bergamo, which is all aluminum). Now I'm a bit more serious on "carbon" for those longer rides.

Velo Girl: Gosh that Aurora looks great --and the Nova does too!-- but looks aren't everything, I'm going to opt for comfort ) Regarding the stock tires again, see aiguy's post --btw, thanks for your endorsement aiguy-- he points out that weight may make a difference. Sounds reasonable to me.

Again, "thanks" to all for your valuable input!