Hmmm you all have given me a lot to think about. I can not wait to get a new bike. I've known for a while that my current bike is too small for me but lately I've been having problems with my knees and the few times I've tried riding for longer times my hands have gone numb. But maybe I'll hold off a little longer and check out a few more bikes. I think I have been shying away from the road type bikes becuase all the bikes I have owned as an adult have been too big (hence the small bike now).

A guy at work commutes on a Jamis Aurora. It looks really slick with fenders on it.

I think I'm going to see if I can rent a road/cross bike for a weekend, one that fits, and see what it feels like.

The Bianchi Volpe is affordable and does have the all important rack eyelets. If the rent-a-bike goes well I think I'll check out the Aurora and Volpe.

Thanks all of you for your input.