OK...here it goes...

[2WheelsNMe]

35 miles on a hybrid! Oh, that's torture!

First, be mindful that some bike companies do the "Shrink and Pink" on men's bikes to market them to women. They don't take into consideration women's different geometry. You are about my height, and for years I rode a men's Cannondale only because there were not many women-specific road bikes available. I was so stretched out reaching for the brakes (I have normal girl-length arms & legs). I've been test riding a lot of bikes, and when I get onto a WSB, I feel like it's too small. But it's not. I was riding a bike that was too big. Everything suffers on a wrong sized bike, especially handling skills, which I feel is most important!

You mentioned you are looking at Specialized Tarmac, which is a great bike, but it's geometry is for men; the women's counterpart is the Specialized Amira (I think the Comp runs about $2500, and is designed specifically for women).

Giant - try the Avail Advanced 3 (full carbon), a nice ride! I would have purchased, but I can't afford the tag, so I just got my Avail 1 last night (aluminum with carbon fork and seat stays.

Masi has a new line of WSB launched in 2010; they've really made great changes in the geometry, so check those out.

Check out Terry Precision Bikes as well - a company founded by a woman, for women.

Just don't let a salesman pressure you into buying a bike you're not so sure about. This is the time of the year when the 2011 models are coming in, so you can get a nice deal on a 2010 bike.

There are so many permutations in the combination of frame materials and component groups, it can make your head spin! Oh, and don't get so wound up about "pretty", I nearly bought the wrong bike because I loved the look of it. Really, when you're riding, you're not looking at your bike!

Hope it helps!