Shimpie wrote: "Any reason you ruled out Trek?"

I definitely didn't rule it out, but so far I haven't had much luck with it. The only Trek I actually tried was a Pilot 2.1 and I thought it felt too big for me and wasn't crazy about the higher-up position -- but the guy in the bike shop gave me the super hard sell, and that put a bad taste in my mouth ("Listen, this is probably the only bike in the world that is going to fit you with your short inseam, so I would just buy it now." Ugh). I did SEE a 1500WSD but the shop didn't have one in my size to try.

Mostly, since it's hard to find the small sizes in stock I've been going by the "tha-thump" looks factor -- and I just really like the looks of the Cannondales, Lemonds and Bianchis, but if I got on a Trek and loved the way it felt, I wouldn't say no!

Many thanks also for the shop recommendation. I wouldn't hesitate to drive over the hill to buy a bike, but it wouldn't make sense to have it serviced there. Since Beverly Hills Bike Shop offers lifetime tune-ups if you buy a bike there -- and they're close to me -- if I'm going to get a Lemond it probably would make sense to buy from them. But I will call Valley Cycles to see what they have in my size!

Happy riding,
Robyn