>I posted this because I'd never had opportunity to try both side-by-side. I can say without reservation that Record does indeed blow away and eat the DA.<

Even if this were true, and I'm not sayin' it's so, this is why I don't bother riding bikes to compare them and/or their components.

What am I gonna say if I ride my friends bike, only to find out mine is way inferior? "Rats, Fred, my crappy, cheapo, boat-weight of an Ultegra-equipped, carbon bike sucks - and I mean big time - in comparison to yours." Do I want to say that, even if only to myself? No.

Or maybe I'd say, "Fred, I really hate to be the one to inform you, but your bike sucks. I'm afraid it's really a piece of crap, in comparison to mine." Does Fred want to know that? No. There's no reason to put down Fred's bike - it'll only hurt his feelings.