I have test-ridden at Rivendell, though only the Atlantis and the Hunqapillar. The Atlantis wasn't $3000 nicer than the LHT. They tried to put me on very upright bikes (maybe because I'm old and fat), and I want a road bike. The Soma/Riv collaboration came out since I tried their bikes. Maybe I should go back. I'll look up the bikes others have mentioned in this thread (the Specialized Ruby, and the Canondales, if I can find them to test ride in the Bay Area)

Any recommendations for particularly good stores to try?