I agree with the Ti and Steel comments out of personal preference. I also agree w/ V on the carbon, though it's not my material of choice.

I dunno.. seems to me you should take your time and enjoy the bike shopping process. Think of it more like a quest.. at least in the beginning.

Start from scratch.

I guess what I'm trying to say is.. seems from what you describe you narrowed your choices early on when looking for the Cervelo. Maybe this time, just look for the bike that calls to you.

I'd not blame carbon or Cervelo's or anything so narrow. Try 'em all. Ride 'em all and then begin to figure what you like and don't like (geo, material, model, whatever), then begin narrowing it down. Then take a few out on long rides and see how the "second dates" go.

<shrug> I dunno.. that also sounds more fun anyway