I purchased a Trek hybrid this year, which I adore and ride several times a week. I started with a hybrid because I didn't feel comfortable with the aggressive positioning of the road bike, particularly braking with the curled handlebars. Now, the more I ride, the more I am getting the itch for an actual road bike. (This biking thing is turning into an incurable disease!) I want to start looking for a good, starter bike that will last me for several years. I have been so happy with my Trek that I'd like to start my search there. Right now, I'm between the Lexa and the Madone.

I generally ride 25-30 miles each ride, 2-4 times per week. I am having lots of fun doing organized, charity rides in the 25-50 mile range, and would like to do more of them. I'm not sure if I'd ever want to do a century ride--perhaps a metric century. I'm not riding to race (I like going 12-25 mph to take in the scenery), and I appreciate any help I can get from my bike when going up hills.

I am interested in the Lexa, but there seems to be a lot of chatter for the Madone, which is significantly more expensive. The biggest difference I see in the Madone 3 series and up and the Lexa, is whether the bike is a full carbon frame (Madone), or just has the carbon fork (Lexa). I'm sure that the Madone series also has some nicer components, but I'm wondering whether, given my "fun ride" style of biking, I would notice the difference?

I want to know whether I would benefit from a full carbon frame for my riding needs, or if it is "too much bike" for me. I'd also like to hear if there are other serious benefits from the Madone that would serve me well. Otherwise, the Lexa S, SL, and SLX all seem to look like good bikes for a beginning road biker.