Thank you for the replies and advice guys. Though i'm temped by a lot of cameras for many reasons, price and size are pretty important factors. I reckon i have narrowed my search down to either the Panasonic LX3 or LX5, because they have a great lens with a big aperture and a 24mm wide angle which i absolutely loved on my old ricoh. The amount of freedom you get from a wide angle lens cannot be overstated, and to me is more useful than a long zoom. Now if only the LX3 could have the G11's interface and dials...

I promise i'l get to ride report soon, though unfortunately my camera woes happened on the trip so pictures will be few...

Motokai, sorry your nice thread got hijacked, it seems to happen a lot here!