I've only been riding for about a month and bought a Specialized Hardrock. While I like the bike, it's not meant for streets. When you live rurally, you can't get past having to use both streets and large gravel roads so I was looking for a street bike to use just for streets and keep the Hardrock for the back roads. I'd be traveling on hilly highways, not neighborhood streets.

My LBS had me try a Specialized Dolce Sport which I really liked. Does anyone have one and like/hate it? He'd have to special order me one for my size and need to talk to my better half if I go for it.

The only thing I've found online is issues with the gears like my Hardrock has. They are just picky, but I love the aggresive look and feel of the Specialized bikes after trying several other bike companies.

My only other concern is lack of experience. I haven't been on a bike in 20 years and only have 70 miles on my Hardrock after a month. I did 7 miles on Sunday which is the most I've ever gone at one time. I worry that maybe I need to put longer rides in before going to a completely different style of bike.

Anything comparable in the Trek line? My bike shop sells both Trek and Specialized.

Thanks for any help.