You sound like me!
I bought a Trek 1000 in 2004... and I have put approximately 3,500 miles on it.
It's a great bike... but I HATE THE GEARING on it! It SUCKS! But you get cheap gearing for $650...right?
I know for me... I'm drooling over a Specialized Pro... at around $2,200. It has a carbon seat post, carbon forks and handlebars... and all Ultegra components.
I just didn't see the need for a full carbon bike... and everyone keeps raving about how fabulous the Specialized bikes are. Of course, I couldn't test drive one as there wasn't one in the store.
Now, will a new bike make you faster? Hhhhuuummm... I hope so! Cause that's my excuse for getting one! HA! (As soon as I find the money!)
The Trek 1000 is a great bike... when you start out. But as you ride and learn more about bikes... you realize what you want in a bike... and go for that on bike #2. And for me, the NEW GEARING alone will be heavenly!
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!"