Hi and welcome (from WI). I bought a used trek 1000 wsd which is an aluminum road bike with carbon fork that was discontinued in 2007 or so.

I liked it but the shimano/sora components annoyed me. I test rode the Ruby and Madone but just around the parking lot. Truthfully it simply wasn't long enough to get a feel for them. I preferred teh feel of the Madone but there are so many aspects which can affect initial test rides IMO! Saddle, fit of bike (saddle height, setback, etc).

I didn't buy the ruby or the madone b/c they honestly didn't feel that much better than the bike I already had. It was here that I had read how much people loved steel.

Then one day I was walking through a bike shop and saw an independent fabrication steel bike/carbon fiber fork. It was my favorite shade of green with pink accents. Campy chorus components. I fell in love. I test rode her and she sung on the bikepath and eventually she was mine

My advice is to just keep testing until you know FOR SURE. I actually tested about 3 different ruby's and 2 madones. I did like them! I may have even preferred them on some of these bumpy roads. But in the end I am so satisfied with the bike I have now and won't look back