Sorry for the late response here. Just got back from the Trek dealer and road their hybrids and FX series. I liked the FX series. I spoke to them about the Valencia also. They were much more helpful. I was even helped by a female!! I asked her if they do fits and she said yes. The whole experience was like night and day. It was nice to have a good experience. It actually does happen.

This is a case of DH wanting to get me another bike ??!! I bought my hartail, that I really like, off of Craigslist. I told him it was not a big deal, but to him it is.

I guess I have ridden my carbon frame so much that I am used to feeling everything. Has anyone used these "lower" components? I'm used to the Ultegras that have a snap to their shifting. Are they really bad? How long do they last?I just have no experience with them. Can you all help me out on the component department, please.

I like the look of the Valencia because it has the mountain geometry. It also can have racks, plus the disk brakes. I would feel the road on it also. I was looking at the Specialized site at the San Francisco 1 under the Globe heading. I think it and the Valencia are comparable rides.

I will be back with more info after visiting the Specialized shop.

Red Rock