I finallly found a store carrying my size frame in the Trek 520 and after 2 minutes riding it, i knew I had my bike. Wish I had a great reason - it just seemed to fit me really well. The bar-end shifters are a bit tricky, i'm getting used to them but not sure i'll ever be a total convert. Oh, and the seat s*cks! but everything else on this bike is really smooth. She's a champ!

After a week together, we are a pretty happy pair! We've bike to Tiburon from SF and we've gotten to work and back everyday, even in the rain.

I told the boss about my plans to bike across country, and he offered me a leave! What to do?! It certainly is a great offer. Anyway, I am still set for a departure date in mid-March.

Thanks everyone for your help!