TE folks, you have all been so helpful. I really think the best advice is to try everything!

I really love the Cannondale Quick!!! No matter what bike I sat on, I never felt like I was comfy. Whenever I sat on the Quick it was comfortable right off the bat! Surprisingly, the best feeling one so far was the base model (Quick 5), alloy frame and fork! It had a cushier saddle. The higher models come with a different saddle. I suppose with better components I can order the cushier saddle for it.

Here's the question. When I tried out the Quick 5, the front tire had a fluttering sound. Not quite a rattling sound. I tried telling the employee but it didn't go further. From my research it sounds like loose spokes? I can go back to the store (small retail chain) and ask them about loose spokes. The guy was generally nice and helpful.

I'm worried about buying something that might have something already wrong with it. Do I deal with that specific bike? I might order the next model up anyway. Because the employee (though like I said nice and helpful for the most part) didn't look into it further should I trust dealing with service there? I know the one employee may not reflect the rest of the employees. There is another closer LBS (small retail chain) who sells Cannondale but I feel bad about going somewhere else after testing store #1s bikes.

Sorry for so many questions---one seems to lead to another!