Quote Originally Posted by backinthesaddle View Post
Any suggestions on bikes to consider or am i making the right choice with the 2.3?
Did you test ride it???
I do not mean to sound unpolite - but it is very hard to buy a bicycle without trying to ride it first. In order to do that, you would need to know exactly what your ideal geometry is - what features you need in a frame, what components you like... it is possible, yes, after a couple of decades of cycling (and if you are lucky enough to fit on stock models like me) you may be able to pick out of the catalog and make a good choice.

But, from what you are saying in your post - your riding experience is very limited. It seems unthinkable that you may already know your measurements and riding style so well that you can pick the right bike out of a catalog or a website.

My suggestion is that you visit several shops and ride many bikes. Learn what works and what doesn't. Find out what you like and what you don't care about. Find your needs, and find the right people to work with. At some point, you will find the right shop and the right bike - and that's what you should buy. It may happen tomorrow, or take the three weeks you gave yourself, or take more time. But if you buy a bike that fits you and suits your needs - you will ride it and be happy.
Good luck!