Quote Originally Posted by Miranda View Post
OK, yes, the price of the bike is high. But, if I weigh that out to what my bike does for me, it's so worth it! Physical health and mental well being--plus just joy.
Yep....and then calculate how much time you spend on the bike...you want it to fit well and you want to enjoy it, but now that we know your price range...I agree with Tulip (again--she's a wise woman). Go custom.

My bike is custom steel and it is wonderful.....smooths the bumps but still has that get up and go. I happen to live 20 minutes from Waterford, WI so I ride a Waterford. Luna was my second choice, but if I have the chance to be fit directly by the builder, I went Waterford (but, Margo, I still have dreams of a scream orange cyclocross beauty).

A custom builder can tweak that frame just for you, not just in fit, but also in how it handles (twitchiness), performs (kicks), and rides (smooth). If you have the money, you cannot spend it better. Call Margo.