Thanks for your responses everyone. I think this is a wonderfully supportive and encouraging forum.

As a side note, my old Coscto bike that I haven't been riding weighs in at about 38 pounds! Whatever I get is going to be AMAZING by comparison!

My DH wants me to try out a Fuji Silhouette that he found at Performance Bikes. The Fuji would take me up to a carbon frame and Ultegra components for about the same price.

I'm going to give it a try today, but after reading some of the comments regarding service at PB, I'm a little wary. I found the Dolce at my lbs where they have a solid reputation for great customer service.