Sounds like you are on track DD, and good for you.
Quote Originally Posted by DrumlinDancer View Post
I am looking at the Ruby and Madone due to Ultegra components which I read good things about (smooth), AND I absolutely want something FASTER and easier taking hills than the Trek 7.5 WSD. 7.5 is a great city/paved path bike.
Hills will be a function of both weight and gearing. You can check the weight on the manufacturer's website, but all these will be similar. A few grams here and there doesn't matter until you are going for the rainbow stripes.

I would also note the cassette on each bike too; a bigger rear cog will make life easier (if you need it) and your knees might thank you too. Most shops will swap out the cassette without any hassles but it's worth checking. With the Cervelo, you might not be able to do so, so if it's running an 11-23 or something you might want to factor in the price of a new cassette that will suit you better. Also, warranties usually apply only to the original owner, and most bike shops will throw in 6-12 months servicing - both useful to have (without talking down the Cervelo at all; I have a friend with three of them!)

Also, make a little list of test ride things so that you're doing the same (if possible) on each one and don't forget something: a bit uphill, a bit downhill, all hand positions, out of the saddle, cornering, emergency braking to see if it stops straight, acceleration and some bumps to see if it bucks or it's dead. I used to throw in some tiny circles to check for toe overlap too. And ask the shop to set the same psi and saddle height before you ride, otherwise it's not oranges and oranges; more like oranges and orangutans.