After visiting what I thought was every store in the area, I found another one through the Giant website. I went in today and tried a 2012 Giant that was marked down quite a bit. The owner admitted he bought too many XS's. I took it for a ride, up and down hills and came back excited. "Sweet ride" I told him. Then I tried a Cannondale. Even sweeter. Since it's the end of the season, and no one else was in the store, I spent about two hours trying the different bikes, back and forth. The C'Dale was a few hundred dollars more, but he knocked the price down a bit more. Both were 2012's and I couldn't decide which one he wanted to get rid of more No pressure - I felt he was really honest describing the two bikes and the companies.

The Cannondale really did fit better and it is now becoming acquainted with its stablemates. The color, you ask? Roan, or rather, Cabernet. I do like the color, but the big white CANNONDALE running down the side is a little flashy for my taste. It's also got white bar tape and a white saddle, which is surprisingly comfortable for a stock saddle.

So thanks again for all the advice. I really feel like I made the right decision... I hope