Thanks for all of the info. I plan to look at the Giant bike, spoke with another bike shop who carries it.

I thought about a tri bike, but also like doing centuries and thought a regular road bike would be more relaxing, hear the position on the tri bike requires more attentiveness and can be uncomfortable for longer distances.

I am focused on carbon due to having both aluminum and steel now - the tandem is steel.

The main thing I did not like about the Cannondale was the long stretch to fit, but it was a great, fast ride.

Any other advice is most appreciated, intend to search out information about some of the other brands mentioned.