Thanks so much for all of the feedback! What a terrific, helpful group!

I tested out both the 17" and the 19" today- on the trainer, since the store was getting ready to close- and both seemed to fit pretty well. I think I would need to take them each out for a real test ride in order to choose.

How much of a difference does the 7.5 carbon fork make? Would a relatively unskilled rider like me notice the difference?

Also, can anyone suggest a couple of road bike options that I should try out? I am gun shy about road bikes, having flown over the handlebars of one when I was in my 20's. And this is a dorky question, but how do you reach the brakes when your hands are on the upper part of the handlebars? My old road bike had those extra cheater bar thingies, and I honestly never even tried riding with my hands on the lower part of the bars. Did I mention that I'm not very coordinated?

Thanks!
Gillian