With my last day at SBT and ensuing vacation pay, well, here's the new bike:

(except, blue & black instead of red & black).

Just got back from the big hill (3.5 miles round trip, probably 2-300 feet elevation), and it's a little bit easier than on the old bike. The brakes are a lot more sensitive, as I found the first time I tried to use 'em, goin almost 30mph down the hill. (Had to get a speedometer with it - now realize I need a water-bottle carrier as well.) Bought for a little under $600 (with speedometer and top-of-the-line lock) at Sonoma Mtn Cyclery nearby - may not be the cheapest, but I know where they live, and it'll be easy to take in for maintenance.

Pretty happy with smooth shifting and braking, soft ride, and general spiffiness. Not sure yet about the hard seat and possibly-TOO-soft ride (front shock adjustment).

Tell ya one thing: I EARNED this, and hope to get a LOT of use out of it. (About 25 pounds worth, I figure.)