I test rode the Giant TCR Comp 3 today, a new 2005 model with 105 components. This was a real eye opener.

Due to the road conditions, R&A didn't want me to take it into the park for my usual loop, but I did get to go uphill a little bit, and the thing just goes, I was in a 53/17 gear and I might as well have been in my lowest gear, no hesitation or strain at all. Since I thought that maybe I was pushing a little harder because of the bike, I did the same loop on my old bike immediately after and it felt like lead, I had to downshift to the small front ring just to make it up. I am totally hooked, and this was the lowest end cf bike they have, only $1600.

I'm still deciding on the Giant or Kuota. They will NOT have a Kuota to test ride, they only build them up on order, although they had one built in a large size. The didn't have the Onix or Felt F2C in yet, my other 2 choices, or at least not at the shop. But at this point I doubt I would go with either of those. Maybe I'll get to test ride them eventually if I can wait. It is after all still winter in NYC.