Went to my 3rd and 4th bike shops today and tried a Kona Lisa RD and an Opus Fidelio. The Kona was slightly more comfortable but I only had a chance to ride them around the parking lot today. The Kona is WSD - can't remember about the Opus.

I also tried a Specialized Sequoia Elite which is a slightly more upright, more comfortable road bike. I was hesitant to try it at first because I figured the salesguy had pegged me for a "mature" new rider when what I really want is to go fast. (DH is hesitant for me to buy anything than a road bike because he figures with my drive I'll be wanting to race eventually - lol, I think he has much higher hopes that I do... Anyway, the Sequoia wasn't like the hybrids I've tried - it was definitely a road bike but somewhat more comfortable. I actually liked it quite a bit - of course the real test will be to ride it uphill and compare it to a road bike.

They also had a Specialized Dolce which was very pretty- I love blue bikes - but way too big for me so I couldn't ride it.

So I am learning that some carbon in the frame is a good thing - carbon front fork, carbon seat post. I can't afford a full carbon frame but the other two are in my price range. Anyone have feelings one way or another? Does it really make a noticeable difference?