I went to my lbs and got fitted (a very smart thing to do). The bikes he had left were uninspiring or way out of my price range, but I found two online that would work based on my budget, size, and geometry needs.

I am considering the Cinelli Proxima from Gary at GVHbikes and the Mercier Draco from Bikesdirect.com.

The Cinelli Proxima:
--Cinelli uses Columbus Zonal aluminum
--Columbus Link 1 1/8" threadless carbon fiber fork
--Shimano Ultegra 9spd STI componentry; derailleurs, STI levers, crank, b.b., cassette, chain, brake calipers;
--Columbus integrated headset
--Ritchie Pro clincher wheelset
--TTT The handlebar/stem
--Selcof seatpost
--Selle Italia Prolink Trans Am saddle
--Vittoria Rubino tires
--Cork handlebar wrap
--Compact geometry
http://www.gvhbikes.com/03%20Cinelli/5-16-03/L%20Proxima%20yellow.jpg
(see also the front page www.gvhbikes.com and click on "specials")


The Mercier (built on the same frame as Fuji Team)
X-Fusion Quaternary phase alloy, custom butted and shaped with PowerDiamond down tube
Rear Triangle High Modulus Carbon seat stay
X-Fusion Quaternary phase alloy butted chainstays
Forged road dropout with replaceable derailleur hanger
Ritchey Pro Road wheels w/ vittorio rubino Intrepid 3d tires
Mercier UltraLite Racing Saddle with CrMo SL rails
Ritchey Comp 3-D forged road seat post
More information at http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/draco_ltd.htm

They seem, in most ways, to be very similar. The major difference is in the frame (Zonal aluminum vs. X-Fusion--more information here: http://www.fujibikes.com/techinfo.asp?yr=2004).

The other major difference is the companies. I have seen a lot of praise for Gary around here. I haven't seen much either way on Bikes Direct, but what I have heard has been good, including a local club member who said he loved them.

Your thoughts, opinions and war stories are very much appreciated.

I bought a Mercier Serpens - the 853 steel version - from bikesdirect.com.
It is a wonderful bike. I did 36 miles on it this morning. As for the service from the company - they did what I wanted most - they told me when they would get me my bike, and they met their promises. I had the bike less than a week after I ordered it. I would absolutely order from them again... and in fact, I have found myself checking their inventory every few weeks...

I realized something today after my ride - I am riding the stock seat, and am satisfied with it. I could get a different one, but this one works fine. I like it. :)

They didn't provide the personal touch that GVH is known for... but that wasn't what I was looking for.

Good luck - post what you get after you get it, and whether you are happy with it.
-J

...but I bought the same bike from GVH bikes this spring. I got the last flat black one in large--it looks the business, but since it's not clearcoated, I anticipate some issues with the decals. So far so good, though.

I've been very happy with the bike overall. Thanks to a local test ride before buying, I knew it would fit, so that was easy. The assembly after receiving the bike was dead easy, and the parts that were pre-adjusted were done very well.

I have my doubts about the headset, but I think the problem was that it was too loose to start with, and I hit a nasty pothole on my first ride. I've found it a little hard to get the adjustment just right--it's either too tight or a get a little clunking on sharp bumps (which I try to avoid). I'm going to check the state of the bearings this week, and maybe that will provide me a clue as to what needs doing. In any case, I think this problem is my bad, not the bike or GVH.

I got very good service from GVH himself, and good consulting on the proper wheelset for my size. They delivered when they said they would, though since I had them hold off shipping until after my vacation, I don't know if that holds true for all their builds.

I love the bike, and feel that my whole experience with GVH was top notch.

Not too late--I got the Raleigh from GVH. Based on what I wanted to do, it was better choice. I spent a lot of time with Tom on the phone, and his advice was great, and his recommendations, thus far, have been spot-on. The bike should be here by the end of the week--looking soooooooooooooooo forward to it. Glad to hear your experience was so great--now get out there and ride it like you stole it!