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

[gingerale]

Well I can't wait to hear about all of your stories!

[MauiRockHopper]

Thanks all. Maui, good luck in your search. I felt the same way about the shifters.

Because of all this, I am now the proud owner of an '08 Specialized Ruby Elite (I am now in debt for the next two months while I pay it off!) and a loyal customer to this store.

Did you get a double or triple crankset, what size frame did you get, what is your height and inseam?

I'm waivering between Giant Avail Advanced 2 and the Specialized Ruby Elite. Both are the same price ($2200) and pretty similar all around. The dilemma is that I haven't tried the Giant and probably can't because nobody stocks them around here. I've been avoiding the Specialized dealer because the guy is a jerk but I have tried the Dolce basic model and liked it (except the crappy Sora shifters). The geometry fit me pretty good and I've been happy w/ my Specialized mtn bike for many years. So, I'm gonna get over my personal feelings about the dealer in order to get the best bike for me.

Mahalo!