Okay, so my final choice was.... The DASH 2 by Giant! Did multiple test rides on different flat bar road bikes, but this one was it! Had a big grin on face riding it all the way home. Funny though, I gave myself a budget of 1100 bucks, I couldve got the DASH 1, but I just didn't like the color! Doesn't that sound completely silly? Sure it had a better DT and came with CL pedals, but I just couldn't get past the ugly blue. Oh well, I'm quirky like that. Anyway thanks all for the FB road bike suggestions, I visited about 6 shops to find most of them. I can say, I am thoroughly satisfied!