How to choose -- any advice welcome!

[Trekhawk]

Here's the background (one oft heard heard before here, I'm sure). I've been riding recreationally and for fitness on a Cannondale Hybrid for a few years and have decided to begin centuries with a new road bike. So, I'm new to road biking. I've decided on carbon fiber frame (for ride and longevity) and need WSD (size 47/48 bike).

Here's the question, I've looked at 3 bikes, Specialized Ruby, Trek 5000 WSD and the next step up, Trek Madone 5.0. There's a significant price jump from the first 2 to the last, and I'm just not sure what you really get for the price or if there are any ride differences, etc. I've read that the Madone is a stiffer and less forgiving ride, so maybe it's not a good choice for a beginner?

Any thoughts, advice would be very appreciated.

Thank you.

Ok here is my two cents worth - I started out riding a Trek 5000 (not WSD) and love this bike. Its a very comfortable ride (for me) and I will be using it to do my first 200km ride next year. I know a lot of people dont like Carbon but you need to try lots of bikes and decide for yourself. If Carbon is still your favourite then I say go for it.

[mimitabby]

I absolutely agree. if you like the carbon, go with it.
At my company, we are making AIRPLANES out of the stuff.