Pondering A New Bike

[Mr. Bloom]

I said I wouldn't get a new one...but I am considering it nonetheless Silver will have substantial influence on this, but in big decisions, sometimes it's good to have objective input from knowledgeable friends

Although this post is long, the key question is whether I risk more than I may gain by changing.

First: I LOVE my 49cm Lemond Reno with RaceXLite wheels. I've got about 4,000 miles on it in 18 months and I've never had a blister, ache, or pain that I would attribute to the bike.

Initial LBS Recommendation is a Trek Madone 5.2 or Madone 5.6...and they did a perfect job in fitting me and steering me to the Lemond (even though I went in to buy a Trek Pilot).

Concerns:
- Clearly, the geometry of the Reno suits my body. Will a change in geometry impact my comfort substantially? What considerations should I anticipate?
- The current Madone will cut about 6 pounds off the Reno's weight (and I weigh in the 160's). Is a 4% combined weight reduction (along with my continued weight loss) a motivating consideration or just 'nice but not relevant'?
- Will I feel a material impact with better components?
- If I have a choice of ultegra SL or Durace, should it matter?

Finally, does anyone know what Trek's '09 price increase will be? Rumors are it will be 'substantial' and that may impact my decision as well...

Goals:
My goal for next year is to compete in an endurance competition.