I went from a Trek 7.2 to the Madone 4.5. I was like you, I didn't want to look at my puchased bike in a year and say, yeah, I wish I would have got the 4.5. I love the 4.5, and I also love the 7.2. I just finished a 20 mile ride on the 4.5 and really feel like I have 20 more miles left in me. It is a great bike. I am very satisfied with it. It is more than I need right now....but I am looking forward to "growing into it"