I would say forget everything you think you know. Ride a Fuji, a Cannondale, find another LBS and ride some other stuff - check out a Specialized or Kona, or Bianchi and a Trek. What I have found in the past is I fell in love with the looks and, shall I say attitude of a bike before I even rode it. I bought the darn thing and guess what? The fit was never right, I was never comfortable on it, etc. You need to buy a bke for fit, how it rides, etc. Yes, you have to at least like the look of the bike - don't buy something that's ugly - but do yourself a favor and at least ride 5 different bikes - if nothing else it'll ease any buyers remorse if end up with a carbon Cannondale (which I own by the way, Cabon/Alum Six13 - which fits me perfectly). Good luck and let us know what you buy.