Quote Originally Posted by zoom-zoom View Post
I just asked my hubby how much difference the angle measurements would make ('cause he's an Engineer and I suck at Math). He said really those bikes are so similar that you'd probably not notice a huge difference either way...and to go with the shop that treats you best. Truly, as long as you are on the right size a good shop can do all sorts of tweaks to dial-in your fit. They'll measure you and put the appropriate length stem on, maybe swap out some head spacers, move the saddle up and down, fore and aft, etc. And most good shops will continue to do minor tweaks as-needed for a few months after you buy your bike--I know mine has done this. I started with an 80mm stem and moved to a 100mm stem after a few rides. No charge. I think the 2nd stem was even a grade better than the original stem.
We have a bike store 1 hour away (in Austin), which has both Trek and Specialized I was there yesterday and test rode the Amira and Madone. The guy I talked to was leaning towards the Amira (because he has a Specialized himself)... Overall it is a great store with awesome reviews... Maybe I have to go there again and have the guys take some pictures with me on the bikes so I have a comparison. Like I said, they both felt great (in the parking lot)

The smallest Madone 4.7 men model has a H2 fit, and 70.7 standover height (shorter than Amira 48). Maybe I should try that?! (It'll come with a longer top tube and might put me in the right "racing" position?)

On a side note: the 2011 Madone 4.7 is blue - blue is NOT my color at all... Besides that, it'll take another 2-3 months to get a new 2012 Madone (and I don't even know the available colors yet). I would prefer riding my bike ASAP though. So maybe I'll have to go with my gut feeling and order a 2012 Amira