hi deb,

i just bought my new bike in June. but i was able to test-ride several bikes at different shops just to compare.

if you are not in a rush, i'd recommend waiting just a little bit longer for 2006 models to come into the shops. you may have more choices then since a lot of shops now cannot order certain bikes anymore (out of sizes, colors, etc).

however, i can comment on the Trek 1000 -- i test-rode the WSD not the "c" model. and i thought it was fine but, the shifting was a little rough.

my heart was originally set on a Specialized Dolce Elite which is a WSD and also something i'd recommend you try out. you might be able to get a good deal now on a 05 bike if you are able to find one.

i am a little taller than you -- 5'6". so i was able to ride a regular bike but, i had everyone trying to sell me a WSD bike at every shop. and i really didn't need it. i ended up buying a Specialized Allez Elite. (a word of caution : on the Treks, i was able to ride a 54 but on the Specialized, i needed a 52 for the Allez. that's why it's important to test-ride the bike before you buy.)

as for the Sirrus, my husband tried it and felt it was ok. he also tried the Sequoia but, he ended up buying a road bike (Trek 1500).

my advice is that if you think you want to ride a while and a bike to last a while, try to buy one with the Shimano 105 component set. everyone told me that and i resisted for a while but, then when you compare the shifting to the lower group (Tiagra/Sora), it is so much smoother.

this will put you in a higher $$ range (closer to $1000).
if you can't, then buy the best you can afford. and don't let them talk you into anything you haven't ridden yet!! i would never buy anything i could not test-ride!

as for e-bay, it is ok for some but, i like having the warranty and support of my LBS. my husband is no wrench by any means and does not understand all the workings of a bike. so if you need mechanical support, if you buy it used, you are on your own (cost-wise). if you buy it new from a shop, they usually give you at least 3 months of free service plus at least one tune-up on the bike.

so in short, if i had someone at home who knew how to service bikes, i think that'd be fine to buy it used. otherwise, i'd think twice.

hope this helps! and i hope you find a great bike soon!

frances