I finally made it out today to a LBS that had both Treks and Orbeas. A very helpful salesperson got a gorgeous Orbea Onix Dama adjusted for me, and off I went on a test ride. I felt scarily stretched out and a little unstable in the front end. I wasn't too sure if this was just me being new to road bikes, but definitely knew I had felt more comfortable on other bikes. I had a sad moment as I said goodbye to the pretty Orbea

When I brought it back in, she commented that it did fit me, but it was on the larger side for me and the Trek would probably be better since it came in a smaller size. They didn't have any Treks in my size. So I went back to the Trek LBS I had been to before and rode a Madone 4.5 WSD and a Madone 5.1 WSD. The Madone WSD geometry is SOOO much more comfortable for me. I feel stable and safe. The 5.1 was definitely lighter but I can't justify the difference in price. I'm going to go with the 4.5 WSD.

However, I LOVED the Ultegra that was on the Onix and the 5.1. It just seemed to shift so much smoother. The brakes on the 5.1 were also more responsive but LBS man says he can probably emulate that feel by changing the brake pads.

The first LBS said that since the rear derailleur is already Ultegra in the 4.5, I could upgrade the shifters to emulate much of the feel of the Onix. She didn't think the difference in the crank/cassette was what I was appreciating. This upgrade would cost $75.

So finally to my question...do you think it is worth $75 to upgrade just the shifters to Ultegra? The second LBS didn't think it would make a huge difference (but he's willing to do it), but LBS #1 thought it would.

Thank you!