You know, that is a really good point
And I hadn't even considered that option. Sometimes you get a little gear happy, you know? And the fit of the Specialized Ruby was so nice. It felt like home somehow... and I know that sounds silly! :o
So now I'm leaning toward that option, which brings up another question - I've heard some people say that you have to be really, really careful with carbon because the frame integrity is easily compromised. Is this true? Because I have 3 kids and they aren't always as careful around things as I'd like them to be. And I don't know if I want to have a bike that I have to handle with kid gloves all the time. I take care of my things, but I don't want to freak out if it gets knocked over, KWIM? And at 2k for a bike, I would probably freak out.
And also, how do I handle the LBS, because I really liked the woman I was working with, and I want to use them for everything else - all the upgrades, maintenance, etc.
Thanks!
Answers to your questions
No, the Cannondale was not a WSD and I thought the shifter issue was a perfect example of the benefits of WSD.
My kids are 8, 4, and 2 - a boy and 2 girls in that order. I think they'd respect my wishes in that regard.
So if a newbie goes out and spends a lot on a bike, does that make me a ... what is it, a Fred? A Frederica? I don't really care what everyone thinks - I just want a bike that I'm going to love to ride, and I think the Ruby was that bike.
But to be sure I think I'll make a trip south and try out a few different bikes - a WSD Trek, for instance. It's hard, because I don't think I'll be able to do that for a few weeks, and I've got tax refund money that's just itching to be spent!
And I think I'll go try on the Ruby one more time, just for fun. Heh heh. ;)