New road bike- how much bike should I buy?

[SadieKate]

Ya know, I just realized how sad it is that I have about 5 friends who would LOVE to endlessly go shopping with me for just about anything, except bikes. Which is the only thing I like shopping for (plus bike accessories). I think I need some new friends.

Just kidding.

Been there, done that. That's why I came to TE.

[mimitabby]

Been there, done that. That's why I came to TE.

yeah, me too.


about comfort.

When you get on a bike, it's hard to tell if it's comfortable or not unless of course something in your back (or other body part) is screaming.
After you have ridden that bike for a while, other things will come into the forefront. You know what you feel like after 25 miles on your hybrid. If you feel that good after 25 miles on a particular road bike, it's a good deal. If your back, neck, knees, whatever are hurting, something is not right. what i learned the hard way with my bike experiment was that yes, you can be just as comfortable on a road bike as you can on a hybrid, but you need to get a bike that fits.
With your budget and your nearness to some great shops, I think you can do that easily.