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Jurgen,
All the rides you picked are very nice. Each has their own ride characteristics (aluminum, ti, and steel). However, you must decide what frame will be most comfortable for you. In addition, the frame sizes are from 56 to 59 cm. What size fits you best?
I have an older Litespeed Catalyst, but the "I ride this bike" answers don't/shouldn't mean much to you unless you've ridden and like the ride quality. Too bad you can't test drive. Like cars, bikes take quite a hit on resale, so you could look around for a low-mileage bike for about half the price of a new one. The current prices are good, less so at their "buy it now" price.
To state the obvious:
In terms of ultimate life span (but how long are you going to keep it?), it goes like this: carbon fiber, aluminum, steel and ti (shortest to longest).
For ride quality: aluminum, steel, ti and carbon fiber (stiffest to most flexible).
All of the above are generalities. You can always find exceptions to the rule.
Geez, there are so many bikes on the market, it's hard to make a decision.
BTW, nothing wrong with the Trek 2300 CF bike. It was the same frame as the top of the line 2500 but with Ultegra instead of DuraAce hardware. Was it this bike that ate it?
Sorry I couldn't help more.
Sherwood
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