Thanks for the responses! I rode a couple more bikes. A couple of Scotts and a Pinarello. They were all lighter, some more than others, but when I rode the Kona JTS again, it all became clear to me.

The Kona fits me best, it comes with 105 components, and I actually like the handlebars and the saddle. (I didn't like the bars or saddles on the other bikes.) For me, it accelerated better than the others and was more maneuverable. It also felt a lot better on pavement.

I picked it up and carried it a couple of different ways and, much to the amusement of passersby, I ran around with it at the park. It really was the best bike for me and the price was right.

I liked Mimi's idea of it giving me incentive to stick with the weight training over the winter! It's not like I can't lift it now, but I was just concerned that it was crazy heavy for a cross bike.

Alex