Nice to see another person from the Bay Area.

I've ridden about 2800 miles so far this year, usually in Castelli prima donnas. I recently branched out to Sugois Ultrafino. I still prefer the Castellis for any ride longer than about 60 miles. Although to be honest I haven't tried the Sugois on any really long rides. Both are fairly expensive ($100 - $120.) I have two of each, that works out to $6.36 a mile(so far) to have a comfy tush.

REI will take washed returns, so will Bicycle Outfitter in Los Altos (at least they did last year.) So when I try something new, I usually try to buy the first pair from either of those places.

Veronica