but keep looking. I eventually got to ride most of the bikes I was interested in, but it took a while, and I ended up doing it on vacation as well! And if a store has a bike you're interested in unbuilt I'd say take the iniative and call back. Ridiculous that you have to, but if it gets you closer to the right bike...

I ride a Jamis Xenith Femme which at $2300 approx. list is out of your price range...BUT I fairly easily found them on sale for 1700-1800 depending on the shop. The roads where I live kinda suck, and this particular carbon frame removes all the chatter and vibration without feeling dead. I think it's a great bike for the money, and believe me I rode EVERYTHING in my price range. Anyway, it might be a consideration for you if the fit is right.