VERY cool, Wiseowl!
My story's a little like yours -- I didn't consider carbon when I started thinking about the road bike. Not that we don't deserve "fancy," but it seems like carbon is the move up from the entry level road bike, right? For me, the price was to die for and the fit was right, and yeah, I think you're going to love your new bike as much as I love mine!
Karen in Boise

