test riding a bike - they both fit, what is the deciding factor?

[rubysoho]

Thank you for the advice about the shifters. That is important to me. But what about the fit that I was describing? Lets take away functionality of the components (I can always look at more bikes). Do I want to feel like I am in the "nook" as I did with the Giant Avail or do I want something more like how the Dulce felt where I was secure but I didn't feel as though I was fitting into a certain spot on the bike. Or am I just over-thinking this way too much?

I'm so frustrated that I went and blew $500 on a bike that I replaced in 5 months! I hope that I can at least get $200 - $300 out of it selling it in the paper. If you've got the money, go ahead and get a bike that is going to last you...even if you have to use plastic to do it. I was lucky because my LBS was having a 2 years, no interest, no payments special if you financed through them.

This is exactly what I am afraid of happening. I don't want to blow $700 on a bike only to want to upgrade in the next year or two! Hmmm.... I would be putting a portion on plastic. I don't like that idea so much. But I can pay it off within one or two months (depending on how work goes!)... I guess I will let myself hop on a few more expensive bikes for comparisons.