First, let me introduce myself. I'm a longtime, 54 yr old "TE lurker" from the rainy Pacific NW. (We live out in the country on chipseal roads.) I've really enjoyed all the info you ladies bring to this forum. You've put me (and then my husband) in padded bike shorts, clipless pedals and bike computers, etc. We are fairly fit (my husband still coaches high school sports and I joined a gym a few years ago to learn to sweat and build a bit a strength).

We started about 5 yrs ago with comfort bikes and quickly outgrew them (where's the comfort). We moved to the FX's spring of 07. We love them, but we are outgrowing the local bike paths and venturing out on the local highways. We have increased our time on the bikes and distance.

We ride a lot together, usually 15 to 50 miles, average 30 miles. In the summer DH likes to take off on his own (teacher) and go much harder without me. Our last ride of 30 miles with a couple of hills I averaged 12 mph working pretty hard and was ready to get off the bike when we got home (mostly seat pain at mile 15). We would like to try organized rides (and I've fantasized a bit about the 2 day Seattle to Portland). We know we don't have the right bikes for that, so.....

With a budget of $1500.00 ea. or less, we have looked at a several bikes with alum. and carbon forks. 105 components. My husband has ridden a Trek Pilot 2.1, Specialized Secteur and Giant Devy. He really likes the Specialized, plus the LBS is really into fit. I have sat on the Giant Avail 1 and Cannondale Femine 5. (Since I'm in denial, I don't dare ride one yet!) Okay, the big question(s), how much more comfortable will "real road bikes" be? I really can't comprehend riding 100 miles without major hurting after about mile 75. (Sore seat and tired legs). Since we already have carbon forks/alum., will the chip seal fill about the same with road bikes. How much faster/farther/longer should I anticipate going? And of course, what about steel? Don't want to keep upgrading every couple of years, however, I realize a couple of you have done that once or twice!!!!! Any recommendations.

Sorry for the rambling. I guess I've put a few years worth of posting all into one!!!! I know many of you ladies have gone through the same thing with your hybrid bikes.

Oh, and Zen, your picture reminds me of my mother many years ago. (Really!!!) I can't help but laugh everytime I see it!!! So funny.

Thanks all.

Kit