Yep, the Madone seems to be very popular! And do try everything you can so that you are picking the bike you feel most comfortable on... not necessarily the one your LBS thinks you should ride.

I live 3 blocks from Prospect Park in Brooklyn. It's car-free at all times except rush hour. It has a great 3.5 mile loop, so I can ride laps until I drop! On weekends, DH and I sometimes go out to the country to ride.